Chippewa Valley Times

U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany (R-WI) has called for the impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas, citing concerns over the administration's handling of an escalating situation at the southern border. The call comes in response to daily migrant crossings exceeding 12,600 and its impact on border towns. This surge in migrant crossings stretches from Texas to California and is being described by officials as unprecedented.

In a series of statements, Rep. Tiffany was quoted saying, "12,600 illegal aliens crossed the southern border yesterday", "Obama’s DHS Secretary said 1,000 a day was a crisis", and "Sec. Mayorkas must be impeached."

According to a post by Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin, there were over 12,600 migrants encountered at the southern border within 24 hours from Dec. 18 to Dec. 19. This marks the highest single-day total ever recorded, with actual numbers likely higher due to thousands awaiting processing in Eagle Pass not yet included in official figures. The official count includes over 11,000 Border Patrol apprehensions of illegal immigrants and more than 1,600 migrants encountered at Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry.

Tiffany's statement | X

A report by CNN stated that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporarily suspended operations at international railway crossing bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas starting Dec. 18. CBP announced this decision as part of their ongoing commitment to adapt to the evolving situation while maintaining focus on border security.

NewNation reported that these closures coincide with a 30% increase in illegal migrant apprehensions in December compared to November. Last month saw 130,000 attempts at unlawful crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border within just the first 17 days; December's tally has reached 167,000 attempted crossings so far.

According to ABC News, CBP reports an alarming surge in seized fentanyl - an increase of 860% compared to 2019. This was achieved using X-ray scanning technology, drug-sniffing dogs, and investigative expertise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 100,000 drug overdose deaths last year with fentanyl being a leading cause. This has led officials to stress the need for further action on fentanyl, noting its potency at 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.