Biden’s open borders endanger U.S.

OPINION:

In Fairfax County, Virginia, just 90 miles from the heart of Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, a disturbing saga unfolds, shedding light on the perilous repercussions of President Biden’s lax approach to border security. The recent case of a Honduran national, repeatedly released despite facing charges of heinous sex crimes, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers unleashed by the Democrats’ open border policies. It’s a wake-up call: The chaos at the border isn’t confined to distant regions. It’s knocking on our doors.

As we grapple with the fallout of a broken immigration system, the ramifications extend far beyond the borders of our state because every city, town and community in the country is now a border town. While Washington remains engrossed in political theatrics, our communities are left vulnerable to the consequences of unchecked illegal immigration. The tragic tale of Fairfax County underscores the urgent need for new leadership and a call for action to restore sanity and safety to our neighborhoods.

For too long, the Democratic establishment has prioritized appeasing the far-left progressive wing over safeguarding the interests of hardworking Americans. Mr. Biden’s open border policies have emboldened criminals, allowing them to roam freely, preying on innocent lives with impunity. The chaos unleashed at the border has effectively turned every town and community into a border community, exposing us to the same dangers faced in border states.

In their reckless pursuit of ideological purity, Democrats have turned a blind eye to everyday realities. The refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, exemplified by the callous disregard for Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer requests in Fairfax County, is a betrayal of the fundamental duty to protect our citizens. The blood of victims stains the hands of those who prioritize virtue signaling over public safety.

And let’s not forget the chaos caused by Republicans who have also played games with the border. They grandstand with headlines, more focused on theatrics than results. It’s time for real solutions, not just sound bites. As a Navy SEAL who has been to the border, spoken to the brave men and women of Customs and Border Protection, and witnessed the challenges firsthand, I know the time for complacency is over.

This is not just a distant issue; it has happened in our own community as well. In Campbell County, Virginia, a man who crossed the border illegally was charged with committing sex crimes against a 14-year-old girl. The same dangers are present in our neighborhoods, demanding urgent action.

We cannot afford to be passive spectators to the erosion of law and order. It’s time to hold Washington accountable for its failures and demand leadership that prioritizes safety and shutting down the southern border to criminals and cartels over partisan politics. Mr. Biden’s negligence has endangered our communities, leaving us at the mercy of criminals who exploit his administration’s misguided policies.

As we witness the tragic consequences of Democratic-led incompetence, we must recognize that what happens anywhere in America can happen everywhere. No community is immune to the dangers posed by uncontrolled illegal immigration. The security and well-being of our families are nonnegotiable. We cannot allow them to be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

The solution begins with decisive action. Americans must demand accountability from elected officials who have failed to uphold their oath to protect and serve. We cannot afford to entrust our safety to leaders who prioritize virtue signaling over the safety of our communities. It’s time for a change — a change that restores sanity to our immigration policies and ensures that the law is upheld.

Mr. Biden and his Democratic allies may turn a deaf ear to our concerns, but they cannot silence the millions of voices who demand accountability and justice. The time has come for us to build a stronger House Republican majority that can deliver border security by electing more Republicans who deliver.

In the battle for the soul of our nation, I will stand firm with former President Donald Trump against the tide of chaos and lawlessness. We will not be cowed by the failures of Washington. We will rise, united in our determination to build a future where safety and security are not mere aspirations, but tangible realities for all.

• John McGuire is a former Navy SEAL, current member of the Virginia State Senate, and candidate for Congress in Virginia’s 5th District.