Hinson Slams Administration for Unanswered Questions, Lack of Accountability on Southern Border Crisis

Washington, D.C. - Following a House Committee on Appropriations hearing with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner Troy Miller in May, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01) submitted follow up questions to confirm how many illegal immigrants are in the U.S. and how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tracking them. CBP did not respond to the official written request for five months. Hinson released the following statement regarding the Administration's late and lackluster response.

"I've asked the Administration repeatedly to explain how they are tracking illegal immigrants released into the U.S. I asked at a hearing months ago, and submitted follow up questions in writing. In the five months it took to receive a response, there have been several concerning reports about the Administration releasing migrants into the country with no court date or accountability.  

"The "answers" they provided are unacceptable, and leave us with many more questions about the Administration's failure to secure our border and ensure the safety of Iowans and Americans.

"The agency confirmed that they are releasing individuals into the homeland without a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court, but they are refusing to report how many migrants are being released without an official NTA. They claim this is because the agencies have limited resources and capacity. Meanwhile, President Biden recklessly slashed funding for border patrol in his FY22 budget.

"This Administration's priorities are completely backwards. The American people deserve answers, transparency, and action on the crisis at the Southern Border -- and I'll continue working to ensure that happens."


Background

• Rep. Hinson has repeatedly pressed U.S. Department of Homeland Security Officials on details regarding illegal immigrants released into the interior.
  • This has come through direct questioning, official written requests for information, and letters to agency heads.
• Since then, concerning reports have come out confirming that illegal immigrants are being released into the United States without a Notice to Appear (NTA) in court.
• Rep. Hinson received responses to some of these questions this week, nearly five months after submitting them, and they are still incomplete and insufficient.
  • CBP refuses to answer how many illegal immigrants were released without an NTA. Recent reports indicate a high number.
• CBP cites “limited resources” as the reason for releasing illegal immigrants without NTAs. This is in contrast to Democrats and President Biden's proposed cuts to CBP funding.

###