Border Chief admits communication failures on migration crisis


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During a segment of NPR’s “Morning Edition,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas addressed border security concerns, asserting that current border conditions have improved compared to pre-pandemic levels. He emphasized that border crossing numbers have remained consistently lower than certain periods during the previous administration for about half a year.

Mayorkas specifically stated, “The border right now is more secure than it was at the end of 2019, the last year before the pandemic struck.”

The interview also touched on recent political developments, with host Steve Inskeep highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding immigration legislation. Inskeep noted that Republican lawmakers had rejected their own proposed bill following former President Trump’s opposition during an election year, which was followed by President Biden taking executive action. Trump ultimately prevailed in November.

During the discussion, Mayorkas acknowledged communication challenges faced by the administration. He admitted, “I don’t think we prevailed in communicating to the American people successfully the challenges of migration at a historic level since World War II.”

The Secretary’s remarks underscored the ongoing debate over border security measures and highlighted the difficulties in conveying the complexities of modern migration patterns to the American public.