Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., expressed her concerns to Newsmax on Monday regarding the vulnerability of the United States’ northern border to potential terrorist infiltration. Tenney, whose district spans from near Buffalo to Watertown, New York, highlighted the shortage of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials along the U.S.-Canada border.
According to Newsmax, her primary worry stems from the reassignment of customs and Border Patrol agents to the southern border, leaving the northern border inadequately guarded. Tenney pointed out a substantial surge, noting a 550% increase in migrant encounters in the Swanton Sector and nearly 400% across the rest of the northern border, particularly in the eastern side of upstate New York.
Migrant encounters on the northern border have risen from 27,180 in fiscal year 2021 to 109,535 in fiscal 2022 and 189,402 in fiscal 2023, with a projected number of 184,788 for fiscal year 2024.
Tenney emphasized reports from local sheriffs in her district describing concerning activities, including suspicious individuals, signs of human trafficking, and drug trafficking. However, she noted that law enforcement faces challenges addressing these issues due to the difficult situation imposed by New York State.
Attributing responsibility to Democratic leaders, Tenney specifically named Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. She criticized their actions, alleging that they have collaborated with Democrats in Washington to incentivize and facilitate the influx of migrants.
Tenney also placed blame on President Joe Biden, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Democratic U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their perceived inaction in protecting the northern border. She highlighted New York’s “green light law,” asserting that federal authorities, including Customs and Border Patrol, face limitations in addressing illegal immigrants with licenses due to privacy protections under state law.
In Tenney’s view, the lack of action poses a significant risk, making it easy for individuals to traverse the northern border and potentially join existing terror cells in New York City. She urged Democrats, including Schumer and Gillibrand, to take decisive measures to secure the northern border and protect the state from potential security threats.