Luzerne Times

In a show of solidarity with Texas, Representative Mike Cabell and more than 40 other Republican members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have sent letters to Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Michelle Henry, urging them to support and aid Texas's Operation Lone Star, an ongoing effort to secure the southern border. The letters highlight the overwhelming number of migrants who have unlawfully crossed the border, pointing out that the scale of this influx has strained the resources of Texas and caused numerous challenges for border towns.

The letters state, "Since 2021, the number of migrants who have unlawfully crossed our southern border is greater than the individual populations of 38 states. In December of 2023 alone, that number was more than 300,000 people – itself enough to be the second-largest city in Pennsylvania." They also draw attention to the impact of this migration on other parts of the country, with New York City Mayor Eric Adams stating that the migrants would "destroy New York City" when a small fraction of them were transported to sanctuary cities.

The Republican representatives further highlight the connection between illegal immigration and the rise in drug addiction and violent crime. They cite the highest 12-month overdose death total in history, with over 112,000 deaths in the United States in 2023, as well as a Department of Justice report showing that 64% of all federal arrests in 2018 involved non-U.S. citizens, despite them representing only 7% of the total population at that time.

The letters stress the importance of Pennsylvania's participation in Texas's initiative to manage the border crisis and enhance the safety and well-being of local communities. They urge the governor and attorney general to send personnel and resources to combat the historic rise in illegal immigration, emphasizing that Pennsylvania must stand in support of Texas as it seeks to secure the border for the benefit of all Americans.

This action by Representative Cabell and his colleagues demonstrates their commitment to addressing major national concerns and their belief in Pennsylvania's role as a proactive contributor in these efforts. It remains to be seen how Governor Shapiro and Attorney General Henry will respond to this call for support.

For media inquiries, please contact Andy Briggs at 717-260-6474 or abriggs@pahousegop.com. More information can also be found on Representative Cabell's website at RepCabell.com or on his Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepMikeCabell.