WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales (TX-23) joined Representative Stephanie Bice (OK-05) in introducing legislation, titled Securing American Families from Exploitation at the Border (SAFE Border) Act, to reimburse families in border communities for loss or damage to property as a result of individuals illegally crossing the southern border.
This legislation would transfer $75 million of unobligated border construction funds that have gone unused by the Biden Administration to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish the Southern Border Landowner Security Grant Program. This grant program would enable American families living in high-risk areas of the U.S.-Mexico border to strengthen their own physical security against property damage, theft or other losses. It would also provide compensation to landowners who have experienced property damage, theft, or other losses.
“Our farmers, ranchers and border communities are consistently fronting the bill for the crisis at our southern border,” said Rep. Gonzales. “I hear from folks every day that share with me that the cost of the immigration crisis is only growing. The Biden Administration continues to turn a blind eye to the border crisis and it’s causing our communities to bear the brunt of the issue. This legislation will help to ensure that families are no longer having to pay for property repairs out of their own pockets.”
“Earlier this year I visited the Del Rio Sector of the border and saw with my own eyes the damage illegal border crossings continue to cause in our southern border communities,” said Rep. Bice. “Something must be done to protect American citizens who live on or near the border," said Rep. Bice. "Since the Biden administration has chosen to halt construction of the wall, and refuses to effectively address the border crisis, Congress must find other ways to help people protect their property and this legislation will assist. Illegal border crossings continue to be a major issue in the states that border Mexico. This legislation provides a pathway to help landowners who are at risk or who have already been impacted.”
Joining Rep. Gonzales as original cosponsors on the bill are Reps. Brian Babin (TX -36), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Randy Weber (TX-14). In addition, to support from House members, this legislation has also received endorsements from the National Border Patrol Council, South Texans’ Property Rights Association, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.
“Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) members continue suffering devastating losses due to the surge in illegal immigration,” said Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening. “Many hardworking farm and ranch families have shared examples of property damage, vandalization, stolen equipment, security concerns and more. We appreciate Congresswoman Bice for visiting the Texas-Mexico border to learn about these issues and introducing the SAFE Border Act to help provide needed assistance to landowners impacted by the border crisis.”
“Farm Bureau members in our neighboring southern border states have repeatedly asked for help with the serious issues related to trespassing, theft and damage they face when illegal migrants cross their property,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is thankful Congresswoman Bice is willing to defend private property rights with this commonsense plan that would offer much-needed assistance to impacted landowners.”
“Today, on behalf of South Texans’ Property Rights Association and myself, I would like to thank Congresswoman Bice for introducing the SAFE Border Act,” said W.W. “Whit” Jones III, Board Chairman of South Texans Property Rights Association. “We look forward to working with her to protect the interests of the hard-working families of South Texas. She seems to be one of the few that are ready to put words into action.”