Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ.) suggested President Joe Biden and his administration’s claims the Southern border is secure are “factually not true.”
“Obviously, the border is not secure. Anyone with eyes can see that,” Sinema asserted in a televised interview with FOX News anchor Bret Baier on Tuesday (May 2).
She added that those residing in border states, like herself, who was “born and raised in Arizona,” were taking “offense” to remarks about border security because they are “factually not true.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Defense Department announced it would be sending 1,500 troops to the southern border to aid Customs and Border Protection agents in preparation for the imminent expiration of Title 42, a pandemic-era provision that allows the deportation of migrants crossing the border.
In a statement released Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder noted that it was because of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request that “Secretary [Lloyd] Austin approved a temporary” increase of 1,500 military personnel from the Department of Defense to supplement U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations along the southwest U.S. Border.”
Ryder added that the 1,500 troopers “will fill critical capability gaps,” like ground observation and surveillance, data entry, and warehouse support for 90 days until CBP is able to meet those needs with contracted support.
In the interview, Sinema said the program “should be helpful” but doubted how effective it would be in ending the crisis.
Speaking about the border, the former Democrat asserted that the border was neither “safe” nor “secure,” insisting it would be helpful for the Biden administration to start “actually enforcing the laws on the books.”
“The reality is… border communities in my state are already suffering,” Sinema explained, “And that’s before Title 42 ends.”
