U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, addressed the Senate Floor to discuss national security and border policy following the passage of what he called the “Big Beautiful Bill.” According to Barrasso, the new law aims to secure the U.S. border by completing construction of a border wall and increasing support for federal law enforcement agents.
“For me, national security demands and starts with border security. With the signing of our Big Beautiful Bill into law, we’re securing the border. We’re finishing the Wall. We’re supporting federal law enforcement agents,” Barrasso said.
He highlighted additional measures that have become law, including the HALT Fentanyl Act, which he said gives law enforcement new tools to target drug traffickers: “We’ve also passed and President Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act. It is now the law of the land. Today, law enforcement finally has the tools they need to crack down on drug traffickers. These policies will save lives. These policies will make America safer.”
Barrasso criticized previous Democratic administration policies, stating that more than 10 million undocumented immigrants entered the country over four years and claimed this led to increased costs for American families and reduced safety in communities.
He referenced a recent incident in New York City involving an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer who was shot by individuals described as illegal immigrants with criminal records: “Just this week, in New York City, an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer was ambushed – ambushed – by two illegal immigrant criminals. They shot him in the throat… Yet each time, they were released due to Sanctuary City policies in New York City.”
Barrasso stated that since President Trump took office again, there has been an increase in deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal records and cited a July Harvard-Harris poll indicating public support for these efforts: “A July Harvard-Harris poll shows that three out of four Americans support President Trump’s efforts to deport illegal immigrant criminals.”
According to Barrasso, recent months have seen record lows in illegal border crossings: “Illegal border crossings are now at their lowest level ever reported. Zero illegal immigrants were released into our country over the past two months.”
The new legislation includes $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations as well as funding for hiring and retaining Border Patrol agents.
Barrasso also pointed out provisions aimed at combating child trafficking at the border: “Republicans are committed to help fight back against child trafficking. That is why our law funds $300 million to vet those who sponsor children who show up at the border without an adult.” He cited a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General report about unaccompanied minors whose sponsors could not be tracked by authorities.
Overall, Barrasso described it as “the most comprehensive border security investment in American history – $170 billion invested in immigration enforcement and border security.” He noted that no Democrats supported these measures.
Barrasso gave examples of ICE operations arresting individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes during raids in Los Angeles and Houston.
He concluded his remarks by expressing concern about attacks on ICE agents from both criminals and political opponents: “As law enforcement does their job, they are increasingly under attack… Attacks against ICE agents have soared over 800 percent in the past year.” He defended federal operations rescuing trafficked children from forced labor facilities.
“The American people are clear. They want secure borders. They want safer communities. That’s what Republicans are delivering,” Barrasso said.
