KS U-S Congressman Derek Schmidt recent visit to the southern border

Kansas U-S Congressman Derek Schmidt on the KZRG Morning Newswatch, highlighted his observations from a visit this week to the US Southern border, noting a stark contrast in conditions compared to his previous visit during the Biden administration. 

Schmidt noticed a shift from a humanitarian crisis to nearly empty detention facilities, attributing this change to Trump administration policies. 

While mass migration has ceased, challenges persist, according to Congressman Schmidt, including the ongoing activities of cartels involved in smuggling, necessitating robust, permanent border security measures and enhanced law enforcement efforts. 

Schmidt proposed legislative actions aimed at codifying the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy, abolishing the ‘catch and release’ strategy, and enabling states to participate more actively in border security without federal constraints. 

He also discussed the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, supporting expanded military involvement in border security, notably announcing the deployment of the 10th Mountain Division command staff to Fort Huachuca for improved coordination in response efforts.