An Undeniable Need for More Border Security

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.

Another Border Shootout Falls on Deaf Ears in Washington

In what should amount to another wake-up call to Washington this month, a second border shootout between Mexican drug cartels and U.S. law enforcement took place Sunday near the town of Mission. Although nobody was hurt (this time) as armed smugglers tried to push 500 pounds of marijuana into the United States, the news of gunfire aimed at U.S. citizens is absolutely unacceptable.

Making this latest episode even more unsettling is the fact that it came less than two weeks after law enforcement here in Texas returned 300 rounds of fire when smugglers attempted to draw first blood near the town of Abram. If these thugs sound brazen in their willingness to kill, it is because they are! They have no fear of federal firepower.

Unfortunately, the current administration continues to trumpet its claims that our border is safer than ever. Tell that to the officers who managed to dodge cartel bullets! The Texas farmers and ranchers featured on ProtectYourTexasBorder.com live with the constant danger and know the dead bodies they discover on their private property are NOT figments of their imaginations. Neither are the bullet holes in their pickups.

I’ll be the first to say we deeply appreciate the efforts and bravery of our local, state and federal law enforcement men and women, but it’s time for Washington to admit they’re outnumbered and outgunned. We must have more manpower and meet force with greater force. It’s also time for Washington to uphold its Constitutional duty to protect American citizens from foreign invaders who increasingly stop at nothing to traffic their drugs and humans across our borders and through our towns and ranches.

Wake up, Washington! If you don’t hear our continued cries for additional federal border protection, you’ll soon be hearing many more reports of bullets and bloodshed on American soil. Mr. President, we need more resources. Please send more help to secure our border; it’s well past time to answer your call to duty.

Plans to Reduce Border Resources Increase Threat to Security

This March 15, 2011 article in the Houston Chronicle reflects bi-partisan outrage at announced administration plans to reduce troop strength on the U.S.-Mexico border. It also confirms bi-partisan recognition that we have a security problem on our southern border.

With bi-partisan support, why no action? We don't need finger pointing when the safety of our citizens is at stake. Just give us more personnel to protect our people and property. You don't just have to take my word for the reality of this danger. Visit ProtectYourTexasBorder.com and you can see and hear first hand accounts of the violence, threats and physical harm Americans are facing from the drug cartel violence spilling on to Texas soil.