Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) returned from a Congressional Delegation visit to the U.S. – Mexico Southwest Border. Led by the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), the bipartisan group of 21 Members traveled to San Diego, California, Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona, and McAllen, Texas.
Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) returned from a Congressional Delegation visit to the U.S. – Mexico Southwest Border. Led by the Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10), the bipartisan group of 21 Members traveled to San Diego, California, Tucson and Sierra Vista, Arizona, and McAllen, Texas.
The trip, which included meetings with Arizona border ranchers, seeing drones at Ft. Huachuca, and driving along the fence allowed Members to examine national security threats, best practices to secure both land and sea borders, as well as technology currently utilized at the border. Members were also given in-depth information related to inter-governmental integration to secure the border with critical components including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DoD).
Upon his return, Congressman Valadao released the following statement:
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“Having the opportunity to speak directly with the experts on the ground including Border Patrol and Coast Guard officials as well as local citizens about efforts to secure the border provides Members such as myself with invaluable insight.
"However, the issue of immigration reform is not one that solely affects those states along our southern border, but is a complex issue that affects our entire Nation. I believe it is important for Members to have real knowledge on the situation at our southern border. This trip demonstrated how much still needs to be accomplished and provided Members with information on what tools and resources are needed to get the job done.”
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In California Members witnessed demonstrations on tunnel detection technology, aerial and ground tours of terrain, and border security infrastructure and maritime port security operations. Members met with ranchers along the order to hear firsthand accounts of the issues faced by those on the border. In Arizona, Members were briefed and received demonstrations on unmanned aerial systems and an aerial tour of the border to view integrated fixed towers, fence line and check points. Finally, in Texas, the Delegation met with local leaders, toured the Rio Grande River by Patrol boat and participated in aerial tours of border terrain.
For more information, or for photos of the trip, please contact Anna Vetter by phone at (202) 225-4695 or by email.
Congressman David G. Valadao represents California’s 21st Congressional District, which includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.
