Pinal Today

In a formal communication to President Biden, Rep. Teresa Martinez (R-Ariz.) and other Arizona House Republicans have expressed their concerns over the current border control policies. The group of lawmakers has also criticized the decision by the Biden Administration to close the Lukeville port of entry.

Rep. Martinez stated, "Looking at those crossing the border in droves, they are largely military-aged men, not families in search of a better life as Democrats continually claim." She further added, "Your open-border approach to immigration is a national threat that will have disastrous impacts on the entire country."

Martinez, along with 31 other House Republicans including Reps. Quang Nguyen (R-Ariz.), Alexander Kolodin (R-Ariz.), Joseph Chaplik (R-Ariz.), David Cook (R-Ariz.), Matt Gress (R-Ariz.), co-authored this letter to President Biden. The lawmakers highlighted several issues such as a 40% increase in southwest border encounters since 2021, nearly 200 attempts by migrants on the terrorist watch list to cross, apprehension of Chinese nationals amid tensions between the United States and China, and the recent closure of the Lukeville Port of Entry.

The lawmakers wrote in their letter, "The decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry as a solution to the crisis you created is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately." They added that it's clear why the border is overwhelmed: "Your anti-American open-border policy sent a message to the world: that there will be no consequences for illegal immigration. The real solution is simple. Reverse your policy and put a halt to the wide-open door for so-called 'asylum-seekers'."

Lukeville port was closed at the beginning of December due to an increase in illegal migrant crossings. As one of the busiest ports, its closure has been met with dissatisfaction from Arizona lawmakers due to lack of official announcement regarding its reopening date. The Associated Press reports that the closure is negatively impacting businesses and individuals, disrupting legal cross-border activities such as shopping, dining, and school commutes for some Mexican children.

The lawmakers also wrote, "Border states in particular are significantly harmed by your administration’s failed policies every day." They added that law enforcement agencies at the border are overextended and healthcare providers in border communities are struggling to provide essential services. "Your decision to close the Lukeville Port of Entry is just the latest in a long stream of irresponsible policies from your administration that fail to keep Arizona citizens, and all Americans, safe from criminal activity at the border."

Martinez was initially appointed in 2021 following the resignation of Rep. Bret Roberts (R-Ariz.). She secured re-election in 2022 to represent District 16. Her previous roles include director of coalitions and Hispanic outreach for U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and political director of the Arizona Republican Party.