For Immediate Release: July 27, 2012
Border Patrol Station Closings Denied by Congress

The planned closing of multiple U.S. Border Patrol stations by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been denied by the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, according to subcommittee member U.S. Representative John Carter (R-TX31). 

“I applaud our Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) in refusing this plan that would have resulted in more illegal aliens being released into our interior,” says Carter.  “It is increasingly apparent that DHS under Secretary Napolitano is intentionally decreasing enforcement efforts, and leaving our Border Patrol Agents, Sheriffs, and communities in the breach.  I fully support the Chairman’s decision to deny the request, and will continue additional efforts to overturn Obama Administration attempts to weaken our border security and immigration law enforcement.”

The Department of Homeland Security submitted the closings plan as part of a department-wide reprogramming request, which must be presented to the Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Homeland Security if the agency seeks to change spending plans after their annual budget has been approved by Congress. While Chairman Aderholt approved the majority of two reprogramming/transfer requests, the plan to accelerate deactivation of nine inland Border Patrol stations was denied, citing the department’s  “lack of outreach on this announcement and concerns regarding DHS’s ability to appropriately respond to State and local law enforcement needs.”

DHS was directed to provide detailed plans for proposed deactivations to the Committee no later than September 30, including data on ensuring State and local law enforcement needs are met.  

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