Speech #1140084496

I rise to highlight the connection between drug and human trafficking at the southwest border. where Mexican cartels control both. Last week I traveled to Texas and New Mexico to learn more about this connection. The Presidents disregard of our immigration laws is encouraging people to risk their lives to enter the United States. enriching the same cartels that smuggle deadly heroin. Last year in New Hampshire. my home State. more than 400 Granite Staters died of a heroin or opiate overdose. There were nearly 50.000 in the United States last year. That number is. unfortunately. trending upward. despite the best efforts of law enforcement. Border Patrol agents report that cartels are forcing illegal immigrants to carry heroin in exchange for protection. Sanctuary cities serve as way stations in this drug trade. A secure border is a humane border. The Southwest Border Security Threat Assessment Act would compel Homeland Security to develop a better plan. Border agents need more support. as do police. across New Hampshire and this country. working to keep drugs off of our streets. Enforcing interior immigration laws would be an excellent first step.