Republican who backed bipartisan border bill warns of ‘loopholes’ despite record-low border encounters

Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., emphasized the importance of the bipartisan border bill in securing the border, despite President Donald Trump achieving record-low border encounters through executive action. In February, U.S. Border Patrol reported the lowest monthly total of migrant apprehensions on the U.S. southern border in at least 25 years, with only 8,326 southern border encounters in February 2025 compared to 189,913 in February 2024.

Lankford acknowledged the significant drop in illegal border crossings under Trump’s administration, attributing it to a combination of rhetoric and policies. However, he emphasized that legislative action is necessary to make a lasting impact on border security. The bipartisan border bill, which Lankford led the charge on, aimed to require the Biden administration to exercise their legal authority and create new authorities to secure the border.

Despite the success in reducing border encounters, Lankford expressed concern about potential loopholes that could be exploited by cartels in the future. He stressed the importance of closing legislative gaps to prevent a resurgence of illegal crossings. Lankford highlighted the need for long-term solutions through legislative measures to ensure border security regardless of who holds the presidency.

Lankford’s history of supporting border security legislation dates back to his time as a representative for Oklahoma’s fifth congressional district. He played a key role in negotiating the Border Act of 2024, also known as the bipartisan border bill, with Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Chris Murphy. The bill aimed to deter illegal crossings, tighten asylum processes, increase border patrol presence, create work visas for migrant spouses, and establish pathways to citizenship for documented dreamers.

Despite facing opposition from Trump and his Republican colleagues, Lankford continues to defend the bipartisan border bill as a necessary step towards enhancing border security. The bill became a focal point in the 2024 presidential campaign, with Democrats blaming Republicans for blocking legislation that could have bolstered border security.

A recent report by the Federation for American Immigration Reform revealed a significant increase in the illegal immigrant population in the U.S. following the Biden administration. The report found a 4.1 million increase in illegal immigrants, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing illegal immigration.

As immigration remains a top issue for voters, Lankford’s advocacy for legislative solutions underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to border security. While executive actions can yield short-term results, Lankford emphasizes the need for sustainable measures to address border challenges effectively. In a political landscape marked by partisan tensions, Lankford’s commitment to bipartisan solutions offers a path towards achieving lasting border security.