WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), joined U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, expressing concerns with United States’ adversaries exploiting the southern border.

“It’s no secret the Biden administration has failed to take care of the border. President Biden is turning a blind eye to agents overwhelmed by the increase in illegal crossings, which includes adversaries and terrorists seeking to exploit the gaps. It is critical for the safety of the American people to secure the border and address the crises the administration created,” said Senator Cramer.

The Biden administration’s lack of enforcement has fostered an unprecedented number of apprehensions at the southern border, now totaling over six million crossings. In Fiscal Year 2023, there were 169 individuals on the terror watchlist apprehended at the border, compared to zero in Fiscal Year 2019. Considering the threats the U.S. faces from China, Russia, Iran, and other adversaries, the letter reiterates it is past time this administration protects and secures the border.

“In light of the barbaric attack in Israel, we are also concerned about Iran’s proxies and other terrorist groups taking advantage of the Southern border to launch a terror attack from within our homeland,” the senators wrote. “Given this Administration has left our Southern border wide open, our nation is threatened. In 2023, terrorists used the Southern border to their advantage. It’s no secret that Iran wants to assassinate U.S. officials,  and has repeatedly attacked U.S. service members through their proxies in the region. This Administration’s failure to secure our border is a deep vulnerability that only invites future threats from various terrorist groups.”

“The U.S. Constitution is clear—the government must provide for the common defense. President Biden and this Administration have failed to live up to their most solemn Constitutional duty. We implore you, once and for all, to secure the border and protect the American people,” the senators concluded.

Additional cosigners include U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Ted Budd (R-NC).

Click here to read the letter.