House Homeland Security subcommittee hearings will investigate the Biden administration’s border policies that led to over 10 million illegal entries, with Trump’s new administration already working to reverse the damage.
Key Insights
- A House Homeland Security Committee subcommittee will hold hearings titled “Consequences of Failure: How Biden’s Policies Fueled the Border Crisis,” marking the first border security hearing of the 119th Congress.
- Over 10 million people entered the U.S. illegally during Biden’s term, with more than 662,000 having criminal convictions or pending charges.
- The crisis intensified after Biden ended Trump-era policies like “Remain in Mexico” and resumed “catch and release” practices.
- Fentanyl trafficking surged under Biden, with CBP seizing over 68,000 pounds compared to 20,000 pounds during Trump’s first term, making it the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
- The Trump administration has begun taking steps to address the border crisis in its first two months in office.
Biden-Era Border Policies Under Congressional Microscope
The House Homeland Security Committee’s subcommittee is preparing to launch intensive hearings to examine what many Republicans call “the worst border crisis in American history.” The investigation, titled “Consequences of Failure: How Biden’s Policies Fueled the Border Crisis,” will explore how Biden’s reversal of Trump-era policies contributed to the unprecedented influx of illegal immigrants. According to Customs and Border Protection data, more than 10 million people entered the United States illegally during Biden’s four-year term, straining resources across the country and creating significant national security concerns.
The hearings will specifically focus on Biden’s decisions to terminate successful Trump-era policies, including the “Remain in Mexico” program that required asylum seekers to wait outside U.S. territory while their cases were processed. The subcommittee will also investigate the reinstatement of “catch and release” practices and the creation of parole programs through the CBP One app that critics argue incentivized illegal migration. Representatives will hear testimony from border security experts including Lora Ries, Ammon Blair, and Jon Anfinsen, who are expected to provide detailed accounts of the consequences of these policy changes.
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Crime and Public Safety Consequences
One of the most concerning aspects of the border crisis has been the public safety implications. According to data to be presented at the hearings, more than 662,000 illegal aliens who entered the United States during the Biden administration had criminal convictions or pending criminal charges. Republicans have connected these statistics to tragic incidents, including the highly publicized murder of a Georgia nursing student allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant. The hearing will examine how sanctuary city policies combined with federal immigration practices contributed to public safety threats across American communities.
“There is no question that Joe Biden and his reckless administration created the worst border crisis in American history,” Rep. Michael Guest said.
The drug trafficking surge, particularly of fentanyl, stands as one of the most devastating consequences of the border crisis. CBP reported seizing over 68,000 pounds of fentanyl during Biden’s term, compared to approximately 20,000 pounds during Trump’s first term. This deadly synthetic opioid has become the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 45 years old. The subcommittee will investigate connections between border policy decisions and the unprecedented increase in drug trafficking that contributed to tens of thousands of American deaths over the past four years.
Financial Impact on American Communities
The financial burden placed on American cities and states will be another focal point of the hearings. New York City alone reportedly spent $3.75 billion on services for asylum seekers in fiscal year 2024, demonstrating the massive economic impact of the crisis. Similar financial strains have affected communities across the nation, from border towns to major metropolitan areas, as local governments struggled to provide housing, education, healthcare, and other services to the influx of migrants. The subcommittee will examine how federal policies shifted these costs to state and local taxpayers without adequate support or coordination.
“After just two months in office, the Trump administration has restored law and order at our borders. But this victory, and the historic crisis that preceded it, did not happen overnight,” Rep. Michael Guest said.
The hearings come as President Trump’s administration has already begun implementing significant changes to border policy in its first months in office. Rep. Michael Guest and other Republicans have praised these early efforts to reverse what they describe as four years of deliberate policy failures. While Biden administration officials previously argued the crisis stemmed from global migration patterns and resource limitations, the subcommittee plans to focus on policy decisions they believe intentionally weakened border security. The findings from these hearings may influence further policy adjustments as the Trump administration continues its efforts to strengthen border enforcement and address the accumulated challenges.
Sources:
- EXCLUSIVE: House Subcommittee to Examine Biden Admin’s ‘Failure’ at Southern Border
- “Part 1: Consequences of Failure: How Biden’s Policies Fueled the Border Crisis” | Congress.gov
