A newly released report from the Republican majority on the House Homeland Security Committee claims the Biden-Harris administration has undermined the rule of law through its handling of the southern border crisis.

Titled "Crisis by Design: A Comprehensive Look at the Biden-Harris Administration's Unprecedented Border Crisis," the report accuses the administration of failing to protect national security and sovereignty and assaulting fundamental pillars of our judicial system, as Fox News reports.

The report asserts that recent border policies have created long-term consequences for national security and calls for immediate reform.

Report Alleges Assault on the Rule of Law

The report, which was published on Wednesday, outlines a series of grievances against President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

According to the findings, the administration's rollback of Trump-era border policies and the implementation of what the report describes as "open border policies" have led to significant security concerns. The report goes so far as to claim the administration has launched an "assault on the rule of law."

By the end of Biden’s term, the report noted, there were over 11.6 million recorded encounters at the border, not including individuals who entered the country without being detected. The document highlights what Republicans believe to be systemic non-compliance with U.S. law and the administration's use of mass parole through the CBP One app. These policies, the report argues, have allowed a steady influx of immigrants, exacerbating the crisis.

Fentanyl, Crime, and Cartel Influence on the Rise

The report also identifies multiple consequences stemming from the crisis, including the importation of fentanyl and increased criminal activity. Cities like New York City and Denver have struggled to absorb the growing costs of providing for new arrivals. Republicans point to the surge in criminal cartel activity as another direct result of the administration's policies. The failure to secure the border, the report claims, has strengthened these organizations, leading to further instability.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has been singled out for criticism. Earlier this year, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas, though the Senate did not pursue a trial. The report places substantial blame on his leadership, alongside that of Vice President Harris, who was tasked with addressing the border crisis. Harris, often referred to as the "border czar" by critics, is described as an "abject failure" in this role, a label that the White House has rejected.

Republicans Call for Immediate Action

House Republicans are demanding swift action. "It is time for the Biden-Harris administration to follow the law and end this crisis -- or step aside," the report states. The committee's chairman, Mark Green, emphasized that even if no additional undocumented immigrants entered the country, the millions already here have caused damage that will take decades to repair.

Despite the aggressive language of the report, the administration and Democratic lawmakers have pushed back, highlighting the complexity of the issue and accusing Republicans of blocking solutions.

Biden Administration's Response and Recent Measures

White House Spokesperson Angelo Fernández Hernández has defended the administration's actions, noting that President Biden signed an order in June 2024 that sharply reduced border encounters. "Encounters in August 2024 were 68% lower than in August 2023," Fernández Hernández said. The administration has also secured additional funding for technology to intercept fentanyl and crack down on human smugglers.

In addition, the administration supported a bipartisan Senate bill that sought to limit asylum entries and provide more resources for border personnel. However, the bill stalled after facing strong opposition from Republicans in the House. Fernández Hernández criticized Republicans for rejecting what he called a "historic" agreement, arguing that their refusal to pass meaningful legislation has exacerbated the crisis.

Congressional Stalemate Over Immigration Reform

Immigration reform has long been a contentious issue in Congress, and the recent report underscores the deep political divide. Republicans have placed the blame squarely on the Biden-Harris administration, but Democrats argue that Congressional inaction is to blame. The lack of agreement on comprehensive immigration reform, coupled with the failure to secure adequate funding for border security, has left the crisis unresolved.

The administration’s defenders also point out that the executive actions taken by President Biden have resulted in a significant decrease in border encounters in recent months. July and August 2024 saw the lowest level of border crossings since September 2020. These numbers, according to Democrats, reflect the success of their recent policies.

Political Implications Ahead of 2024 Election

With immigration set to play a major role in the upcoming November election, both parties are vying to convince voters that they have the best solution. Republicans argue that the Biden administration has failed to secure the border, while Democrats accuse the GOP of prioritizing political games over genuine solutions.

As the debate intensifies, voters are expected to weigh in on which party they believe will best address the ongoing crisis. Immigration has consistently ranked as a top concern for Americans, especially in states directly impacted by the border situation.

Conclusion

The House Homeland Security Committee's report accuses the Biden-Harris administration of failing to uphold the rule of law, pointing to policy rollbacks and an increase in border-related crimes as evidence.

While Republicans criticize the administration’s handling of the crisis, Democrats blame Congress for obstructing efforts at comprehensive reform.

With immigration shaping up to be a key issue in the 2024 election, both sides are doubling down on their positions, leaving the future of border policy uncertain.