Blas Nunez Neto, the Department of Homeland Security’s acting assistant secretary for Border and Immigration Policy, refused to call the ongoing crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border a “crisis” when repeatedly pressed by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) on Thursday.
DHS officials, including Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have been grilled by Republican lawmakers as the leadership within DHS continues to deny responsibility for the historic increase in illegal border crossings and drugs being smuggled into the United States.
“By the way What would you call what’s happening at the border? Is it a crisis?” Hawley asked.
“I believe we’re facing significant challenges at the border, sir,” Neto replied.
“Challenges. Is it a problem?” Hawley followed up.
“I think there are parts of the border where we have seen particularly problematic flows,” said Neto.
Hawley: "What would you call what's happening at the border? Is it a crisis?"
DHS official: "I believe we're facing significant challenges at the border."
Hawley: "But it's not a crisis?"
DHS official: "It's a challenge." pic.twitter.com/g7ZB2NpqIs
— Washington Free Beacon (@FreeBeacon) May 5, 2022
