Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano took aim at Mexican drug cartels on Monday, warning that tough new immigration reform laws are headed for Congress.
Speaking at the University of Texas in El Paso, Ms. Napolitano said the U.S. border has never been more secure and that critics of President Obama’s border security program are attempting to “score political points.”
“It is inaccurate to state, as too many have, that the border is overrun with violence and out of control,” Ms. Napolitano said. “This statement — often made only to score political points — is just plain wrong.”
The Homeland Security secretary made the remarks following a string of violent acts south of the border. Texas governor Rick Perry, one of the nation’s most vocal governors on issues of immigration reform, has repeatedly call upon the administration to implement immigration reform laws and to increase border security.
Ms. Napolitano took issue with past claims, saying they “ignore statistical evidence” and they “belittle the significant progress that effective law enforcement has made” in protecting residents living near the border.
The visit comes as President Obama calls for implementing reforms in the nation’s immigration process. The president noted his support of the DREAM Act, speaking in his annual State of the Union address. The measure, which remains stalled in Congress, would provide undocumented children with a path towards citizenship.
Ms. Napolitano also issued a stern warning to drug cartel leaders, saying “Today I say to the cartels: Don’t even think about bringing your violence and tactics across this border.”
“You will be met by an overwhelming response,” the Homeland Security added.
