Assessing Republicans’ Claims About Immigration During Border Visit

More than 60 House Republicans traveled to the southern border in Texas on Wednesday, seeking to pressure the Biden administration to enact stricter immigration policies as a record number of migrants enter the United States. They gathered near the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass, a town of fewer than 30,000 that has become a popular crossing point.

But on Wednesday, only a few migrants were seen traversing the narrow stretch of the river from Piedras Negras, Mexico, and climbing up the banks on the U.S. side. (The number of illegal crossings along the southern border often declines around the holidays, and fewer people tend to cross if a notable event is expected on the U.S. side.)

“One thing is absolutely clear: America is at a breaking point with record levels of illegal immigration,” Speaker Mike Johnson said during a news conference on Wednesday afternoon. “And today, we got a firsthand look at the damage and the chaos the border catastrophe is causing in all of our communities. The situation here and across the country is truly unconscionable.”

The visit reflects the extent to which immigration has become one of President Biden’s biggest political vulnerabilities, particularly as the 2024 presidential election nears.

Republicans’ visit to Eagle Pass comes as Congress seeks to reach a deal over a spending package that would provide military aid to Ukraine in exchange for more stringent border policies.

On Wednesday, House Republicans threatened to stop funding the federal government if Mr. Biden and Democrats did not “shut the border down.”

Here’s a fact check on some of their statements.

“We have lethal drugs that are pouring into our country at record levels.”
— Mr. Johnson

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