Mayorkas pushes efforts to secure borders and ease travel

On Wednesday, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas traveled to McAllen to tour border operations.

Mayorkas received briefings on the Department’s efforts to secure the border while facilitating lawful travel and trade, and met with state and local law enforcement officials.

McAllen Mayor Jim Darling was in attendance as Mayorkas gave a brief press conference.

“I want to underscore to everyone that one of the top priorities for this administration and for this department is and has been border security,” said Mayorkas.

Mayorkas added that Border Patrol apprehensions have decreased by 40 percent in 2008 and are down approximately 75 percent from their peak in 2000.

Both Darling and Mayorkas emphasized the need for border security but for the ease of travel and trade as well and commended the Customs and Border Patrol department on their efforts.

The Deputy Secretary said they are continuing their commitment to work with federal, state and local partners as well as Mexican partners to keep communities safe.

An issue that Darling says is unique to the area because of the trade between the two countries.

“One of the great things about this port is that it reflects not only our emphasis and focus on border security but also the ease of trade and travel between the U.S. and Mexico.

When asked about the Border Patrol Agent in San Diego who fatally shot a man who threw a rock at his head, Mayorkas said his department is currently reviewing the policies of use of lethal force.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our men and women at same time commited to ensureing that use of force policy is a reflection of best practices,” he said.

Mayorkas also paid a visit to the Laredo Port of Entry on Tuesday where he was joined by Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28), General Services Administration Administrator Dan Tangherlini, and other Administration officials to announce over $62 million in funding for improvement at Laredo’s bridges. 

While Mayorkas says they are looking at facilities here and they certainly have goals and objectives to improve capabilities, there is no funding for the Anzalduas Port of Entry as of yet but it is something they have under review.