Sen. Kelly calls for strong action as border apprehensions continue to rise
CBS 13's Cody Lee sits down with the senator to discuss what border communities really need
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) continues to combat the overwhelming apprehensions at the U.S. Mexico border in Yuma County. Earlier this week, we spoke to Yuma Sector Border Patrol chief Chris Clem. He admits our border needs better technology.
[RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Yuma Sector’s Border Patrol chief talks border apprehensions]
Sen. Kelly’s on the same page and says the Tucson Sector has already enhanced its security. He wants the same thing to happen at the Yuma border.
“I think what's important for all of us to recognize is that the federal government has failed border states on this issue, you know, since the 1980s that we need the technology that's going to help provide strong border security. In some places we need barriers and fencing, those are appropriate in certain areas. Also need to make sure that border patrol has the funding for the staffing needs,” Sen. Kelly explained.
He also says the southern border needs more immigration judges to significantly reduce how long asylum seekers have to wait for their hearing date.
Sen. Kelly recently spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. During their conversation, they discussed the deployment of more than 100 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees coming to assist inside the holding facilities.
Along with that assistance, Arizona National Guard members have also made their way to the border.
[RELATED: Sen. Mark Kelly speaks out in support of Ducey Executive Order]
It remains a mystery if the federal government will reimburse Arizona for that deployment. You may remember this was requested by senators Sinema and Kelly.
