On Thursday, a group of Republican lawmakers introduced a new bill titled the “Defend Our Borders from Armed Invaders Act.” The legislation, proposed by Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), aims to address the ongoing crisis at the southern border by authorizing National Guard troops to use force in certain circumstances.
The bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee and is being co-sponsored by several other Republican representatives. According to Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL, the legislation is necessary due to the escalating violence and threat posed by cartels and smugglers operating along the “wide-open border.”
The full text of the bill is not yet available for review, so it is impossible to know precisely what the proposed legislation entails. However, it seems to allow for the use of force by National Guard troops when faced with armed individuals crossing the border illegally. The bill also mentions using force for “other purposes,” raising questions about its potential scope and the types of situations in which force would be authorized.
One of the main concerns with the bill is its definition of a weapon and the guidelines for using force. It remains unclear whether National Guardsmen would only be able to use force in self-defense or if they would also be permitted to fire on armed individuals who have not yet shown hostile action. Additionally, it is uncertain what level of force would be authorized and if lethal force would be an option.
The bill’s introduction comes as Texas, a state heavily impacted by the influx of illegal immigrants, has been engaged in a struggle with the Biden Administration over the lack of border control. According to the most recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) report, the number of illegal immigrants awaiting hearings has skyrocketed in the past two years, reaching a staggering 6.2 million in fiscal year 2023.
Despite the clear need for action at the border, it is unlikely that this bill will make any substantial progress in Congress. With the House currently controlled by Democrats, it is doubtful that they would approve a bill proposed by Republicans. This issue is further complicated by the upcoming elections this fall and the political posturing that comes with them.
While border security remains a pressing concern for Republicans and many Americans, it seems that a solution will not be reached until after the elections. In the meantime, states like Texas will continue to feel the impact of the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
The proposed bill highlights the ongoing divide and differences in approaches to immigration between Republicans and Democrats. The GOP has long pushed for stricter border control measures, while the current administration has adopted a more welcoming stance. This clash of ideologies has resulted in a stalemate, leaving the border situation unresolved.
If passed, the bill would provide some relief to the states along the southern border, which have been struggling with the influx of illegal immigrants and the resulting strain on resources. However, it is important to note that this is only one part of a much larger and complex issue of immigration reform that requires a comprehensive solution.
In the end, the proposed legislation remains just that – a proposal. While it may address a pressing issue, it is unlikely to gain enough support to become law. As the border crisis continues to worsen, it is essential for both parties to work towards a bipartisan solution that will secure the border while also addressing humanitarian concerns. Until then, the American people, particularly those living in border states, continue to face the consequences of a broken immigration system.
