Senator Kelley and Sheriff Wade: Insights from the Texas border on immigration and local impact

Calhoun County, AL – During a recent visit to the Texas border, Senator Keith Kelley and Sheriff Matthew Wade shared critical observations that highlight the pressing issues surrounding immigration and border security, and connect these national challenges to local communities like Sylacauga, Alabama. The duo emphasized the importance of educating local leaders about the realities they face at the border, where they witnessed alarming practices among charities that may benefit from vulnerable immigrants. Their reflections highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the complexities caused by the influx of migrants and the ongoing struggles faced by Border Patrol agents who report feeling unsupported in their efforts to maintain security and surveillance. As the local landscape shifts with the arrival of new populations, Kelley and Wade call for collaborative efforts between state and local governments to effectively address these complex issues that resonate far beyond the southern border.

Senator Kelley’s position:

Senator Keith Kelley recently shared insights from a trip to the Texas border, highlighting the pressing issues surrounding immigration and border security while drawing attention to the local impacts of these national challenges. He invited his local sheriff to join him, emphasizing the importance of educating lawmakers and law enforcement about the realities at the border. During his visit, Kelley observed practices among charities that appear to make significant profits and may be involved in human trafficking. He noted: “Many of these charities provide immigrants with pre-loaded cards and phones, raising questions about the true nature of the assistance offered.” He reported that immigrants often receive significant financial assistance, allowing them to temporarily support themselves before moving to different states, with one group he encountered having traveled from Guatemala.

Kelley also conveyed the frustration of Border Patrol agents who feel unsupported by the current presidential administration. “Officers are discouraged by the lack of support, leading to a significant lack of security and supervision,” he explained. He further described the alarming conditions faced by women and children crossing the border, revealing that some women are being provided with emergency contraceptives due to the high risk of abuse. Kelley highlighted the pervasive control that drug cartels have over migration routes and highlighted the dangers posed to the environment, stating: “The threats to wildlife are just one part of a much bigger picture of danger.”

One particular local issue that Kelley highlighted was the recent influx of Haitian immigrants into Sylacauga, Alabama. This wave has raised questions about the community’s ability to integrate newcomers, especially given the cultural differences and economic pressures this can bring. Kelley noted, “We must be prepared for the impact on our schools, health care systems and housing. Sylacauga is a close-knit community, and while we want to help those in need, we must also ensure that our residents are not overlooked.”

The senator expressed concern about the inadequate vetting process for immigrants, especially those coming from countries without reliable documentation. “People are being released into the U.S. without thorough background checks, and we have no way of knowing who they are,” he noted. He also noted the increase in criminal activity, reporting armed individuals crossing the border to transport drugs such as fentanyl. Kelley asserted that this escalating violence is having a direct impact on communities, stating: “The misconceptions about immigrants, fueled by media stories, contribute to fears and insecurities in local areas.”

Kelley underscored the importance of local leaders being informed and prepared for these challenges, as the recent Haitian influx is already impacting community dynamics. He emphasized the need for cooperation among federal, state and local governments to address the complexities of immigration. “It is critical that lawmakers recognize how these issues impact everyone, no matter how far from the border they are,” he concluded. Ultimately, Kelley’s experience at the border profoundly shaped his understanding of immigration issues, leading him to advocate for a more comprehensive approach at both the state and federal levels. He plans to use the knowledge he gained during this visit to be better informed when it comes to legislative action and to address the complex challenges facing communities affected by immigration.

Sheriff Wade’s view:

Sheriff Matthew Wade recently participated in an important trip to McAllen, Texas, organized by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Joining eight Alabama sheriffs and 10 Alabama state senators, including Senator Keith Kelley, Wade wanted to gain firsthand insight into the complexities of the border crisis through training of U.S. Border Patrol agents and conversations with Texas border czar Michael Banks.

One of the most important lessons from the trip was realizing that the border crisis is not limited to the southern border, but is resonating throughout the United States. Individuals who cross the border illegally often disperse across several states, with alarming diversity between them. Wade noted that many migrants come not only from Mexico, but also from countries such as the Middle East, China and Russia, in addition to those from Haiti and Venezuela. This situation has turned into a national security problem, impacting communities far from the border.

During the trip, two main categories of illegal border crossers were highlighted. The first group looks for Border Police officers when crossing and turns themselves in for processing. These individuals are handed over to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide assistance such as mobile phones and debit cards. Although many claim to have sponsors in the US, there is uncertainty about the legality of these sponsors’ status. The second group includes those who evade detection, such as drug cartel members, terrorists and other criminals, who pose the greatest threat to national security. Wade warned that the risk of another terrorist attack similar to 9/11 could become a reality if these individuals were to successfully infiltrate the country.

Wade also discussed Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s aggressive actions to crack down on illegal border crossings, including the appointment of Michael Banks as border czar. Abbott has given Banks the authority to use the Texas Department of Public Safety to arrest people crossing the border illegally. While these measures have effectively reduced the number of crossings in Texas, Wade noted that they have only shifted the problem to neighboring states like Arizona and California. The effects of the border crisis are also being felt in Alabama, where cities like Sylacauga and Albertville are seeing a notable influx of Haitian immigrants. Although many of these individuals claim to have sponsors, the uncertainty surrounding the legal status of these sponsors raises concerns. Wade underscored the common misconception that having a sponsor equates to being a legal resident of the U.S., stressing that this is not always the case.

The trip also revealed troubling deficiencies in border security resources. For example, Wade observed an incomplete section of the border wall, which was halted after President Biden’s administration took office due to funding issues. In addition, he learned that of 11 surveillance cameras in the McAllen area, 10 were not working and repairs had been pending for more than a year. Border Patrol agents expressed frustration with these equipment failures and the impact of current policies on their operational effectiveness.

During the visit, the group met a local NGO led by a Catholic nun known as the “BMW Nun” because of her luxury car. Wade raised concerns about the financial motivations of NGOs receiving $1,500 a day to help illegal immigrants, raising ethical questions about profiting from a humanitarian crisis. He also noted that women on the Mexican side of the border are receiving rape kits to address the high rate of sexual assaults during their dangerous journeys.

One of the most shocking revelations was the control drug cartels exert on border crossings. Each individual crossing must pay between $6,000 and $10,000 to these cartels, which manage their operations more efficiently than U.S. authorities. This grim reality underscores the intertwined nature of security and humanitarian issues at the border.

Sheriff Wade emphasized the urgent need for reforms in immigration policies and border security measures. Border Patrol agents say the current crisis is the worst they have ever experienced, and Wade attributed this deterioration to the current administration’s policies, which have limited agents’ ability to effectively manage the situation. He called for unity across political lines, urging fellow law enforcement officials and policymakers to stay informed and take decisive action. Wade believes addressing the border crisis requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes national security and the safety of vulnerable populations. As an American committed to protecting his country, he emphasizes that collective efforts can lead to meaningful changes that protect lives and restore order at the border.

The insights from Senator Keith Kelley and Sheriff Matthew Wade during their visit to the Texas border highlight the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to immigration and border security, addressing both state and local implications. Their firsthand experiences reveal a complex situation that goes beyond mere policy discussions and affects communities like Sylacauga in profound ways. As they advocate for greater cooperation among local, state, and federal entities, it is becoming clear that understanding the realities faced by those at the border are crucial to formulating effective responses to the challenges of migration, security, and community integration. With increasing national security concerns and pressures placed on local resources, Kelley and Wade’s call for informed leadership and decisive action serves as a rallying point for stakeholders at all levels to engage in meaningful dialogue and proactive steps towards sustainable solutions.