WASHINGTON D.C - Congressman Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), along with Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26), sent a letter to DHS Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, pushing for answers on the border crisis following their meeting with Secretary Mayorkas in Miami on January 29th.

“As Members of Congress, this information is of critical importance for oversight of the federal government and to our function as liaisons between those we represent and the federal government. Our constituents have asked questions regarding the new parole program for Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Haitians. Furthermore, they have specifically inquired about the implementation process and have encountered issues with attempting to sponsor a family member from one of these countries of origin,” the Members said.

To have up-to-date information and represent their districts, Congressman Gimenez and Diaz-Balart requested answers, within all applicable rules and regulation, to the following questions, which Secretary Mayorkas was unable to answer at the time of the meeting:

1. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), over 4.5 million migrant encounters have occurred at the Southwest border since President Biden took office. How many of those individuals encountered are currently residing in the United States and where are they residing? What is the process for choosing a location to release individuals and what sort of information is given to those localities?

2. How many of those individuals have authorized work permits? Do those with authorized work permits receive federal government assistance, if so how many and how much per individual? Do those individuals who do not have authorized work permits receive federal government assistance, if so how many and how much per individual?

3. According to CBP sources, over 1.2 million known "gotaways" have evaded CBP. How many of those have since been located by CBP? What are the current steps being taken by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in processing individuals who have been captured and detained? How many immigrants who were unknown to DHS have been detained and depmted over the past two years?

Congressman Gimenez gave Secretary Mayorkas until February 8th to answer the questions.


Read the Fox News exclusive here.

For the full letter click here.


Congressman Gimenez is on the Homeland Security Committee and serves as the Chairman of the Maritime Security Subcommittee. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress and is the former Mayor of Miami-Dade County.

 

#  #  #