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Contact: David Host 202-225-4759

Boehner, McCaul Join Pearce in Listening to Local Law Enforcement Officials and Residents Describethe Battle of the Border
Pearce: “After three years of frustration today’s meetings finally provided reason for optimism”

Columbus, N.M., Feb 23 -

Meeting here today within a few miles of the U.S.–Mexican border, House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Homeland Security Investigations Subcommittee Chair Michael McCaul (R-TX) joined U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) in listening to Southern New Mexico law enforcement officials and residents describe their ongoing struggle against illegal activity on the border.

Sheriffs, chiefs of police, district attorneys, and small business owners shared detailed accounts of their constant battle to contain violence, drug trafficking, and human smuggling across the border.

“The Majority Leader and Congressman McCaul heard first-hand today what border residents are up against,” Rep. Pearce said. “Our local law enforcement officials are gallantly trying to protect their neighbors – and our nation.

“Meanwhile, the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. spout finely–honed theories about ‘catch points’ while pretending they have ended the policy of ‘catch and release’ – by replacing it with a ‘new’ practice: ‘catch, process, and release.’

“Yet, after three years of frustration today’s meetings finally provided reason for optimism. For the first time, high-ranking U.S. Border Patrol officials seemed to hear the plight of border residents. Finding a solution to the border crisis remains a complex challenge – but the meeting of the minds we achieved today between ranchers, small business owners, local law enforcement officials, and federal leaders was a critical first step.”

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