St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt voiced his support for a plan introduced by Senate Republicans aimed at addressing the failures of President Joe Biden's border policies and protecting Michigan communities. Nesbitt emphasized the need to enforce U.S. immigration laws and safeguard local areas from the repercussions of the current crisis.

"Joe Biden’s disastrous open border policies have led to a crisis of proportions never experienced before in our nation’s history," Nesbitt stated. He highlighted the overwhelming impact on communities, stating, "small communities and major U.S. cities are being overrun beyond their capacities, while fentanyl continues to flood into our communities with tragic consequences."

The plan, named Strong Borders, Safe Communities, includes measures such as increased penalties for fentanyl-related offenses and the requirement for every Michigan community to uphold state and federal immigration laws, thereby ending the concept of "sanctuary cities." Nesbitt also called upon the president and Congress to promptly address the border crisis.

Nesbitt pointed out that the concerns extend beyond the southern border, citing a significant 550% increase in apprehensions along the U.S.-Canada border in the 2023 fiscal year. He stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "These growing concerns call for urgent attention, and the Legislature has a duty to the people of Michigan to act in order to protect our communities."

The Republican leader highlighted the alarming statistics related to fentanyl, with over 27,000 pounds seized at the border in 2023, an 860% increase from 2019. Nesbitt underscored the devastating impact of drug overdose deaths, which have become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths annually in Michigan.

Regarding sanctuary cities, Nesbitt emphasized the failures of such policies, stating, "These communities are now being overwhelmed by illegal immigrants that they do not have the space or resources to accommodate." He reiterated the importance of safeguarding Michigan communities against chaos and harm.

The article also highlighted the challenges faced by self-declared sanctuary cities like Denver and Chicago, where resources are strained due to the influx of migrants. Nesbitt referenced the financial burden on cities like Denver, requiring an additional $100 million for migrant services, and Chicago, which allocated nearly $800 million to address the issue at the expense of other essential services.

In conclusion, Nesbitt's stance underscores the Republican efforts to address the shortcomings of Biden's border policies and prioritize the safety and well-being of Michigan communities.