SPECIAL EDITION of the Tiffany Telegram: April 22, 2022

Dear Friend,

This week we've got a special edition of the Telegram lined up for you outlining my investigative trip to the U.S-Mexico border. As you might expect, it is a chaotic environment where a humanitarian and national security crisis is unfolding every day.

Some of you may be wondering why a congressman from Wisconsin would travel down to the Arizona desert. The answer is simple: Because neglect, mismanagement, and failure to enforce the law on America's southern border contributes to crime in Wisconsin. It also strains our schools and puts pressure on our social safety net and public health infrastructure.

Fentanyl poisonings, for example, are killing our loved ones – and not just in Wisconsin. Overdose deaths have doubled in 30 states between 2019 and 2021.

In short, President Biden's decision to lay out the welcome mat for illegal immigrants in states like California, Texas and Arizona translates to big problems in our own backyard in Wisconsin.

As your representative in Congress, it is my duty to conduct meaningful oversight and investigate activities that are impacting Americans and Wisconsinites, alike. The sovereignty of our southern border is under siege, and the Biden administration's deliberate decision to ignore our immigration laws is making every state a border state.

Last month was the worst month of migrant encounters at the border since Bill Clinton was president, and after the Trump-era pandemic measure allowing for the rapid removal of some migrants known as "Title 42" is rolled back, the Biden administration will have removed the last tool in America's toolbox to prevent a full blown catastrophe – one President Biden's own intelligence advisers have dubbed "a mass migration event."

There is no sugar-coating what's going on. Seeing the reality of this crisis firsthand makes it that much more important to finish the border wall, reinstate the highly successful, Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" framework, end the dangerous policy of "catch and release," and crack down on so-called "sanctuary" cities.

I hope you had a very happy Easter, and thanks again for starting off your weekend with us. We hope you enjoy this week's special edition of the Telegram.

Sincerely,





Tom Tiffany
Member of Congress

Every state is a border state
On Monday, I received a tour from Sheriff Mark Lamb of Pinal County, where I witnessed the direct impact of the environmental destruction from President Biden's border crisis. While Pinal County is a hotspot for drug smugglers and illegal crossers transporting fentanyl and methamphetamines, Sheriff Lamb pointed out that the drugs ultimately end up in every single state. Last year, the United States recorded its highest number of drug overdoses, totaling over 100,000 deaths. The only people benefitting from Biden's border crisis are cartels, drug smugglers, and human traffickers. The Biden administration knows this, and I believe they are intentionally letting it continue. You can watch my interview with Sheriff Lamb here.

The litter of carpet shoes and camouflage backpacks from drug smugglers spread throughout Pinal County.

The free flow of migrants is real
The following day, I traveled to the Morelos Dam in Yuma, Arizona where I observed migrants crossing over into our country illegally and turning themselves into U.S. Customs and Border Protection. When I interviewed the migrants from Columbia and India, many said they paid $3,000 to $5,000 a head to Mexican cartels for their journey here. Thanks to President Biden's open border policies, migrants now have an incentive to make the dangerous journey through cartel territory under life-threatening conditions. At the same time, the White House has put a target on the backs of migrant families who must often pay the Mexican cartels thousands of dollars to cover the cost of their family member's journey. If they fail to pay, the consequences can be deadly.

Interviewing migrants who just crossed over the Morelos Dam illegally from Columbia and India.

Yuma sector border crossings nearly 6 times higher than last year
On Tuesday, I also attended a briefing with the border patrol chief and agents from the Yuma Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The briefing reinforced what most Americans already know: Our southern border is out-of-control and becoming more dangerous by the day.

Yuma Sector Border Chief Chris Clem has already warned the Yuma mayor that he may have to release migrants out to roam the streets when Title 42 ends on May 23rd. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Yuma sector has already apprehended migrants from a staggering 96 countries and are experiencing a whopping 589% increase year-to-date from last year. The tidal wave of migrants has converted the Border Patrol agents into little more than a greeting service for illegal immigrants – stretching the force thin and hampering their ability to interdict drugs.

Discussing solutions, like finishing the border wall and reinstating "Remain in Mexico," with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents assigned to the Yuma Sector.

Gathering rust under the Arizona sun
At the briefing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I also asked about solutions and what needs to be done to secure our southern border. While keeping Title 42 in place would certainly help, the long-term solutions are to reimplement "Remain in Mexico," finish the border wall, and shut off the incentives that are encouraging record-breaking numbers of migrants to make the trip. With the border wall finished, agents can respond to border crossings at limited checkpoints – something they cannot do now thanks to the lack of manpower or infrastructure needed to patrol such a sprawling area.

Below is a video of border wall materials that have already been paid for by the American taxpayer, sitting idle in the desert as a result of President Biden's halt of construction. Instead of finishing the construction of the border wall, President Biden has chosen to waste taxpayer dollars and let it rust in the sun.

Standing by a gap in the southern border wall where these rusting border panels could be put to use.

Resources
As many begin to travel internationally again, the Department of State is available to assist with passport services. We recommend to apply at least six months before planned travel as routine service may take up to about 18 weeks. For more information, please visit travel.state.gov.

The USDA continues to make resources and assistance available to agricultural producers and working families to ensure access, safety and stability for food markets and supplies.

Small businesses can also apply for assistance through the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan program. This program provides economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of the pandemic.

If a friend forwarded you this newsletter, and you would like to receive it in the future, you can subscribe here for weekly updates and connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

As always, you are welcome to visit my website or to contact my offices in Washington, DC or Wisconsin, which remain open for service, if you have any questions or need assistance.

Good News from Wisconsin's 7th District

Local School Helping those with Special Hearts

Greenfield Elementary in Baldwin was the top school in Wisconsin for American Heart Association (AHA) funding, which goes towards lifesaving research and heart care. Great job Greenfield!

Champion for Students

Lori Danz, a Superior High School science teacher, received a 2022 Herb Kohl Fellowship for her passion in teaching the next generation of leaders. Thank you for all your hard work, Mrs. Danz!

A+ Students

Congratulations to the Antigo High School 2021-22 third quarter honor roll students. Keep up the great work!