Today, I testified before Congress on behalf of all Texans on the critical need for enhanced federal security along the U.S./Mexico border. On any given day, Texas farmers, ranchers and rural residents deal with intimidation, trespassing, theft, property damage, and sometimes even deadly assaults by criminals who have ties to the dangerous cartels.
Simply put, bullet holes don’t lie and dead bodies tell the powerful truth. Here are just some of the staggering statistics DPS has provided in regards to cartel-related crimes taking place on Texas soil:
Border-Related Shootings at U.S. Law Enforcement in Texas
64 – since 2009
Homicides in Texas Connected to Mexican Cartels or Texas-Based Gangs Connected To Cartels
27 – since 2009
Kidnappings
120 – since 2004
(One victim was kidnapped from his home in Horizon City, Texas in 2009 and was taken to Mexico where they cut his hands off and mutilated his body in retaliation for the loss of a marijuana load.)
Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling
369 children trafficked to Texas from Jan. 2007 – Jan. 2011
480 victims reported in Texas – 220 were Americans – since 2007
Drug Seizures
6.9 million pounds of marijuana; 73,428 pounds of cocaine; 1,737 pounds of heroin; and 5,987 pounds of methamphetamine – since 2006
And here are only some of the acts of violence these transnational criminal organizations have committed just in the past few months:
· On Feb. 18 – Two energy company employees were assaulted and robbed in rural Webb County
· On March 11 – A ranch foreman was injured from shots fired by suspected drug cartel members in rural Webb County
· On June 9 – Texas DPS and Game Wardens were shot at by drug traffickers in rural Hidalgo County
· On June 19 – U.S. Border Patrol were shot at by drug traffickers in an area that has seen repeated shootings aimed at U.S. law enforcement in Hidalgo County
· On July 14 – Shots were fired at water district workers in rural Hidalgo County
· On Sept. 27 – Shots were fired, killing at least one individual, on Hidalgo County highway
These crimes, in addition to the countless testimonies we at the Texas Department of Agriculture continue to document on ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, show an undeniable need for increased federal protection.
I am not willing to cede one inch of Texas soil to these terrorists. Texans demand action! I appreciate Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Austin, TX) for his leadership in convening this hearing.
To see video of my testimony click here. To read my full written submitted testimony click here.
Showing posts with label Mexican drug cartels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mexican drug cartels. Show all posts
Friday, October 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Border Security Gets Military Perspective
In an effort to protect U.S. citizens from spillover cartel violence while continuing to emphasize the critical need for enhanced Texas/Mexico border security, I was joined yesterday at the Capitol by retired General Barry McCaffrey and retired Major-General Robert Scales as we released “Texas Border Security: A Strategic Military Assessment.” The independent study, which offers a military perspective of our border vulnerability, was co-authored by the generals and unveiled as part of the Protect Your Texas Border Summit at the Capitol.
To read the generals’ assessment in its entirety, go here.
To read my opinion on this issue in the Austin American-Statesman, go here.
To read the generals’ assessment in its entirety, go here.
To read my opinion on this issue in the Austin American-Statesman, go here.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Another Patriotic Call for Border Security
While our federal government chooses to downplay the escalating threat of Mexican drug cartels on U.S. citizens, those of us who live on the front lines of this war to protect America’s sovereignty will continue to raise our voices.
Last week, Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco introduced the Southwest Cross-border Violence Recognition Act at a press conference in Austin. Unlike many in Washington, Congressman Canseco understands his duty to his constituents. His actions also demonstrate a patriotic adherence to the U.S. Constitution, which clearly places responsibility with the federal government for protecting American citizens from invasion by foreign sources wishing to do us harm. Make no mistake, these violent drug cartel members are terrorizing Americans. Let’s be clear – I mean terrorizing in every sense of the word.
Less than 24 hours after the press conference, a shootout between cartel members and U.S. law enforcement occurred on the border. While the good guys were thankfully unharmed, this latest volley of bullets served as another reminder of the encroaching criminal violence.
I applaud and support Congressman Canseco’s efforts to target cartel violence and fortify our border. Contrary to what Washington tells us, our border is more vulnerable than ever. Let’s hope it doesn’t take more blood and bullets for Washington to realize the enemy is here. We need more federal enforcement and we need it now.
Last week, Congressman Francisco “Quico” Canseco introduced the Southwest Cross-border Violence Recognition Act at a press conference in Austin. Unlike many in Washington, Congressman Canseco understands his duty to his constituents. His actions also demonstrate a patriotic adherence to the U.S. Constitution, which clearly places responsibility with the federal government for protecting American citizens from invasion by foreign sources wishing to do us harm. Make no mistake, these violent drug cartel members are terrorizing Americans. Let’s be clear – I mean terrorizing in every sense of the word.
Less than 24 hours after the press conference, a shootout between cartel members and U.S. law enforcement occurred on the border. While the good guys were thankfully unharmed, this latest volley of bullets served as another reminder of the encroaching criminal violence.
I applaud and support Congressman Canseco’s efforts to target cartel violence and fortify our border. Contrary to what Washington tells us, our border is more vulnerable than ever. Let’s hope it doesn’t take more blood and bullets for Washington to realize the enemy is here. We need more federal enforcement and we need it now.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mexican Agriculture and American Consumers Impacted by Cartels?
A recent story in the McAllen Monitor raises the question of whether or not produce imports from Mexico are being impacted by drug cartels or simple economic and natural conditions. On one hand, economists may argue that rising prices can be blamed on added precautions needed to avoid drug cartels. On the other hand, those prices may be chalked up to the unavoidable costs of doing business.
In this case, it looks like both hands are full, as in, full of trouble. But one hand is full of trouble that can be avoided.
According to the story, some sources suggest the cartels are "charging" produce shippers for safe passage of their trucks, and sometimes even hijacking their supplies. They also say the necessary re-routing and safety measures they’ve had to implement to secure their produce supplies are impacting their businesses. Couple these problems with the normal challenges farmers face, such as extreme weather conditions and high energy prices, and you’re left with consumers picking up a hefty tab.
Food producers and consumers alike have long been accustomed to the normal effects on food prices such as weather patterns and economic conditions. But no one should be forced to accept higher food prices at the hand of drug cartel violence – especially when it could be avoided if our federal government would acknowledge and address the situation.
As you can read at www.ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, the drug cartel danger is very real and being felt right here in Texas. Regardless of which hand you look at, the negative impact of violent drug cartels has Texas and American agriculture producers and consumers paying higher prices.
In this case, it looks like both hands are full, as in, full of trouble. But one hand is full of trouble that can be avoided.
According to the story, some sources suggest the cartels are "charging" produce shippers for safe passage of their trucks, and sometimes even hijacking their supplies. They also say the necessary re-routing and safety measures they’ve had to implement to secure their produce supplies are impacting their businesses. Couple these problems with the normal challenges farmers face, such as extreme weather conditions and high energy prices, and you’re left with consumers picking up a hefty tab.
Food producers and consumers alike have long been accustomed to the normal effects on food prices such as weather patterns and economic conditions. But no one should be forced to accept higher food prices at the hand of drug cartel violence – especially when it could be avoided if our federal government would acknowledge and address the situation.
As you can read at www.ProtectYourTexasBorder.com, the drug cartel danger is very real and being felt right here in Texas. Regardless of which hand you look at, the negative impact of violent drug cartels has Texas and American agriculture producers and consumers paying higher prices.
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