During my visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in September, I saw first-hand the dangers of the border crisis for our country and I decided to make immigration legislation my priority. This session I filed a total of 11 bills, with a particular focus on three measures addressing immigration and border security. I’m taking every possible measure to secure the passage of these crucial bills. On the first day of pre-filing, I arrived at the Capitol by 3 a.m. and was the first to submit legislation, knowing that being early increases our chances of transforming these vital bills into law.
As you might recall, my trip aimed to provide insights into the immigration crisis and its far-reaching implications. From St. Louis to McAllen, Texas, our group of state representatives and law enforcement officials convened to better understand the multifaceted issues at the forefront of our nation’s battle to secure its borders.
The situation we encountered was eye-opening and deeply troubling. The numbers were stark — over 1 million illegal immigrants apprehended in 2022 alone, as reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The challenges went beyond sheer numbers, revealing a landscape where drug cartels wielded influence, posing a severe threat not only to the border states but to the entire nation.
One of the most alarming aspects we uncovered was the illegal drug trade surging across the border, with a particular emphasis on the influx of Fentanyl. This deadly substance has contributed to an alarming number of overdose deaths. Equally troubling were the reports of potential terrorists attempting to cross the border, highlighting the national security risks posed by our porous borders.
Our conversations with sheriffs from border counties provided insights into the influence of drug cartels in Mexico, their brutality, and the concerning amount of weaponry that could be originating from the U.S. government. Thousands of “special interest aliens” apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the past two years.
In response to these challenges, I pre-filed three pieces of legislation for the upcoming session. The first proposes declaring drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation acknowledges the profound threat these criminal enterprises pose to our national security. By classifying them as terrorist organizations, we empower law enforcement agencies to employ a range of counter-terrorism measures to disrupt their operations and safeguard our communities.
The second bill addresses the issue of illegal immigration within the state of Missouri. It reclassifies the presence of illegal aliens as felony trespassing, enabling state and local police to arrest and facilitate the deportation of those unlawfully present in our state. This move is a proactive step toward enforcing immigration laws at the state level and contributing to the overall national effort to maintain border security.
The third proposal reflects our commitment to protecting our children. In response to the rise in drug-related incidents targeting minors, this legislation aims to increase penalties for those marketing illegal drugs to children. By imposing stricter penalties, we send a clear message that we will not tolerate the exploitation of our children for criminal gain.
As representatives, our duty is to respond to the challenges facing our state and nation. The legislation I filed is a direct result of my experience at the U.S.-Mexico border — a journey that underscores the urgent need for effective action to protect Missouri and uphold the values that define our nation. The time for action is now, and I urge my fellow representatives to join me in this critical endeavor for the greater good of our state and country.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes Butler County.