5-13-2019
BREMERTON, Wash. (AP) — Washington Democratic U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer is among lawmakers voicing concern about a transfer of agents from northern borders to help with an influx of asylum seekers at the border with Mexico.
Kilmer is among a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by New Yorkers Brian Higgins (D) and Elise Stefanik (R) who wrote to acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan, voicing concerns about the planned transfer of over 700 border agents.
They worry that the move will leave northern border crossings short-handed and lead to big border back-ups during the upcoming summer travel and trade season.
“This deployment will cause excessive delays at crossings, expose the nation to security risks, and highlight key vulnerabilities,” they say in the letter, which can be read in full here.