WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) released the below statement following President Donald Trump’s border security Executive Orders, including designating international cartels and crime organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs).
“President Trump is taking much-needed steps to restore law and order through executive action. Declaring drug cartels as terrorist organizations, resuming the Remain in Mexico policy, and ending catch-and-release are priorities I have long fought for since I arrived in Congress. Brighter days are ahead for our nation, the days of lawlessness in our country are over,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales.
Through Congressman Gonzales’ seat on the House Appropriations Committee, he has advanced policy initiatives that increase funding for deportation flights, call for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reject catch-and-release policies, and direct Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to continue to prioritize detention and removal efforts. Congressman Gonzales also helped introduce the REMAIN in Mexico Act earlier this year.
Congressman Gonzales’ first bill of the 119th Congress, the Security First Act, pushed to designate violent criminal organizations as FTOs and pluses up grant funding for state and local law enforcement agencies in border regions to enhance border security operations through Operation Stonegarden. In FY24, Congressman Gonzales secured over $12 million in Operation Stonegarden funding for South and West Texas.
Congressman Gonzales represents the largest border district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Texas' 23rd Congressional District spans 823 miles of the Texas-Mexico border and includes Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and El Paso.
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