West OC Times

The United States has experienced 10 million illegal border crossings under President Biden and Vice President Harris. This increase in illegal immigration is linked to a rise in crime affecting communities.

In Southern California, the primary consequence of the Biden-Harris border situation is the surge of fentanyl. The fentanyl crisis, which claims over 200 American lives daily and is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, is severely impacting families.

A recent report attributes much of this crisis to Communist China. "The Chinese Communist Party is responsible for manufacturing, shipping, and profiting off of fentanyl," states the report. It highlights that an open southern border facilitates the entry of fentanyl into the U.S., benefiting both the CCP and Mexican drug cartels while harming Southern California families.

Michelle Steel, a member of Congress from California's 45th district, emphasizes the need for action. She has been appointed to a newly formed committee focused on combating fentanyl trafficking. "The Fentanyl Working Group...is committed to pursuing new enforcement measures to restrict trafficking while strengthening or imposing sanctions on foreign entities involved in the fentanyl trade," she said.

Steel also noted significant increases in narcotics seizures since President Biden took office. According to Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes' congressional testimony, seizures of fentanyl powder rose by 676%, and seizures of fentanyl pills increased nearly 4,000%.

Steel criticized the current administration's handling of the crisis: "Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris Administration does not take the fentanyl crisis seriously." She argues that if it were a priority, more stringent measures would have been implemented at points of entry for drug smuggling.

Highlighting her personal connection as an immigrant who represents many first-generation Americans, Steel advocates for legal immigration while addressing illegal border crossings. "Illegal immigration disrespects the rule of law as well as those seeking to come here the right way," she stated.

Michelle Steel continues to push for securing borders and protecting communities from harmful substances like fentanyl.