During a recent Senate session, Senator John Hoeven addressed efforts by the 119th Congress to enhance border security and reverse immigration policies from the Biden-Harris administration. Hoeven emphasized the introduction of the Laken Riley Act, co-sponsored with Senator Katie Britt, which is under Senate consideration. The act proposes that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should arrest illegal aliens involved in theft-related offenses and detain them until their removal from the country. It also aims to give states standing to sue federal officials who fail to enforce immigration laws.
Hoeven outlined collaboration with the incoming Trump administration on border protection policies such as reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols, enforcing Safe Third Country Agreements, and resuming border wall construction. He highlighted opportunities for the Republican-led Congress to use budget reconciliation for securing the border.
“We look forward to January 20, when we can turn the page on the failed border policies of the Biden-Harris administration,” said Hoeven. “The American people saw beyond the Biden-Harris administration’s false claims that the border was secure.”
Hoeven criticized President Biden’s revocation of 94 Trump-era executive orders during his first 100 days in office and expressed anticipation for President-Elect Trump’s return. “He has committed to taking executive action on Day One,” Hoeven stated.
He further noted upcoming debates on how Republicans will utilize reconciliation for border security efforts. “This will be an important legislative tool,” he added.
“Senate Republicans stand ready to work with President Trump,” Hoeven concluded, emphasizing that they aim to restore previous security measures at the border.
