Dr. Paul Demands Answers from Mayorkas on Violent Individuals Released into the Country ➞

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, discussed the crisis at the southern border created by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) failure to secure and protect the American people. During a hearing titled "The Fiscal Year 2025 DHS Budget: Resources and Authorities Requested to Protect and Secure the Homeland," Dr. Paul demanded answers from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on his refusal to follow the laws already in place to effectively secure the nation's borders, leading to numerous instances of violent crime perpetrated by illegal immigrants.

Dr. Paul highlighted the tragic death of Laken Hope Riley, an Augusta University nursing student who was killed by Jose Antonio Ibarra on the campus of the University of Georgia. Last month, Dr. Paul led a letter with several of his committee colleagues requesting information on Ibarra, who was released into the country through parole and went on to commit several violent crimes. Dr. Paul pressed Secretary Mayorkas on recent reports indicating Ibarra was released on parole solely because a detention center was at max capacity-a flagrant misuse of the authority. He emphasized a critical point: there's currently no effective method to thoroughly vet these individuals, especially those from Venezuela, for potential violent criminal backgrounds before granting them entry into the country. This oversight is not just a lapse; it is a direct disregard for the safety and security of the American people. Dr. Paul expressed sympathy for all the families that have endured tragic losses from violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

View the Ranking Member's opening statement here and questioning here.

Dr. Paul pointed out DHS already has the power to secure the border effectively without new legislation. Despite attempts from Secretary Mayorkas to shift blame to Congress, Dr. Paul highlighted how the Biden administration overturned dozens of executive orders from the previous administration, including the Remain in Mexico policy, which required migrants to stay in Mexico instead of being released into the United States. Dr. Paul urged Secretary Mayorkas to finally enforce the laws protecting the American people and ensure dangerous individuals are no longer allowed into the country.

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