Washington, DC—Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released updated FBI crime statistics that show border communities are safer than non-border major cities in the United States. In 2018, Washington DC's  murder rate at 22.7 murders for every 100,000 residents, according to the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report. Border communities like Laredo, El Paso,  and Brownsville all saw fewer than 4 murders for every 100,000 residents.

“As a person who lives on the border, I have found that the rhetoric from Washington about the border offers little resemblance to what is on the ground,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Our border communities are among the safest areas in the country because of the efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement. Instead, border communities are economically thriving. It’s an international trade hub, 1 in 24 jobs across the country depend on the border region.”

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund programs that support our law enforcement and protect our communities. I would like to thank the dedicated law enforcement officials and community leaders who keep our communities safe and prosperous.” 

Comparing Murder Rates in Border Cities to Select U.S. Cities Per 100,000

Comparing Violent Crimes Border Cities to Select U.S. Cities Per 100,000