‘Drastic’: Arizona GOP Rep. Juan Ciscomani praises policy changes under Trump
Life for many residents in border communities has significantly improved following swift policy changes implemented by the Trump administration, according to Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz. Ciscomani expressed his satisfaction with the results, stating that the numbers reflect a drastic decrease in migrant encounters at the border. In February, there were just over 8,300 encounters, the lowest month on record since officials began tracking the data, as reported by United States Customs and Border Protection.
One of the key factors contributing to the reduction in border crossings is the deployment of more troops to the southern border under President Trump’s leadership. Additionally, cartels and gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, have been designated as foreign terrorist groups, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting raids nationwide to apprehend illegal immigrants suspected of crimes.
Residents in border communities have noticed a tangible difference in their daily lives as a result of these policy changes. Ciscomani emphasized the positive impact on his constituents, who have witnessed the transformation firsthand. As Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Ciscomani is leading a group of freshman GOP lawmakers on a border trip to Arizona. The lawmakers will visit ports of entry, engage with authorities on the ground, and tour the border with the National Border Patrol Council.
While progress has been made, Ciscomani acknowledges that there is still work to be done to ensure the changes implemented under the Trump administration are permanent and sustainable. He emphasized the need to prevent another border crisis in the future, especially in light of the millions of migrant encounters during former President Biden’s tenure.
In an effort to address ongoing border security challenges, Ciscomani recently passed the Agent Raul Gonzalez Office Safety Act in the House. The legislation aims to hold individuals convicted of fleeing authorities within 100 miles of the border accountable by imposing prison time and potential deportation, depending on their immigration status. While some Democrats have supported the bill, others have criticized it as an overreach.
Looking ahead, Ciscomani highlighted the importance of bipartisan collaboration on issues like enhancing the asylum process and making programs like Remain in Mexico permanent. He is working with Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., on a bill to deploy image technicians at ports of entry to improve drug detection efforts.
Overall, the efforts of the Trump administration and lawmakers like Ciscomani have significantly improved the quality of life for residents in border communities. By prioritizing border security and implementing effective policies, they have succeeded in reducing migrant encounters and enhancing overall safety and security along the border.
