State Senator Doug Mastriano | Pennsylvania
State Senator Doug Mastriano | Pennsylvania
Senator Doug Mastriano is urging Governor Josh Shapiro to deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard to the southern border. This call comes as part of efforts to reduce crime and curb the influx of drugs into the United States.
Last summer, Senate Resolution 251 was passed by the Pennsylvania Senate, advocating for the deployment of the state's National Guard to Texas for border security assistance. Despite this, Governor Shapiro and Senate Democrats dismissed it as "political theater," according to Mastriano.
Mastriano highlighted data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, stating that over seven million illegal immigrants have crossed into the U.S. through the southern border since January 2021, primarily entering via Texas. He compared this figure to being larger than the population of at least 22 states.
He referenced Operation Lone Star initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021, which involved deploying the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety. According to Mastriano, this operation yielded significant results in preventing illegal crossings, arresting human smugglers, and seizing dangerous drugs.
Mastriano pointed out that more than 500,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended during this operation, with 468 million lethal doses of fentanyl seized and 40,000 criminal arrests made.
In Pennsylvania, fentanyl continues to impact communities severely while illegal immigrants are accused of committing serious crimes against residents. A report from the Federation for American Immigration Reform estimated that approximately 251,000 illegal immigrants reside in Pennsylvania at a cost exceeding $1.6 billion annually for taxpayers—averaging $318 per household.
"Since his inauguration this month," Mastriano stated about President Donald Trump recognizing "the need for border security." He urged state officials to demonstrate similar leadership by deploying resources like the PA National Guard towards national security efforts.
Governor Shapiro has expressed willingness "to work with President Trump on issues of mutual concern." Mastriano sees an opportunity here for collaboration on securing borders effectively.
For further information or inquiries regarding Senator Mastriano's statement or actions taken towards addressing these concerns: Contact Don Beishl at (717)787-6701
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