Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) published an op-ed in the Ouachita Citizen, asserting that the Biden-Harris administration's border policies have compromised safety in Louisiana. Kennedy cited various instances of crime in the state that he believes could have been prevented with stricter border control.

In his op-ed, Kennedy stated, "Some of the most violent gangs in the world are looking for new turf, and the Biden-Harris administration’s open border policies have made the United States a destination."

Kennedy further mentioned that law enforcement across the country is dealing with crimes committed by members of foreign criminal organizations such as El Salvador’s MS-13 and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gangs. He claimed that some gang members have already appeared in Louisiana.

Kennedy criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris for their approach to immigration, saying, "From day one, President Biden and his border czar Kamala Harris have embraced the radical policies of the loon wing of their party, and they rolled out the welcome mat for more than 10 million unvetted foreign nationals to enter the United States."

He continued by listing several actions taken by the administration: "They promised to give health care coverage to illegal immigrants during their campaigns. They made illegal immigration easier with nearly 300 executive orders during their first year in office. They ended Title 42. They destroyed the Remain in Mexico policy. They disparaged our border patrol officers. They gave migrants phones, flights and hotel rooms."

Kennedy concluded his piece by suggesting intentionality behind these policies: "It’s hard not to conclude that the Biden-Harris administration created this mess intentionally. They opened the border in hopes of getting more votes, and they left Louisianians and Americans to fend for themselves against the most vicious criminals lurking among the masses."

The full op-ed can be read on The Ouachita Citizen's website.