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Speaker Johnson: “Ready for Border Battle, Will Stand Firm”

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has recently stated his intention to halt foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel unless certain U.S. border policies, including the reinstatement of the “remain in Mexico” policy, are implemented. This declaration was made during his appearance on Hugh Hewitt’s radio show.

Johnson expressed frustration with the Biden administration’s bundling of aid for Israel and Ukraine in a supplemental budget request. While acknowledging the importance of supporting Israel and Ukraine, Johnson emphasized the necessity of prioritizing U.S. border security. He argued that the U.S. should focus on securing its own borders before addressing the needs of other nations.

During a border visit with 64 GOP members, Johnson praised the “remain in Mexico” policy, a Trump-era initiative that required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases were processed. He cited Border Patrol agents and sheriffs who believed that reinstating this policy would significantly reduce illegal immigration.

The “remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, was controversial due to its reliance on Mexico’s cooperation to host thousands of asylum seekers and its contribution to the creation of makeshift refugee camps along Mexico’s northern border.

Hewitt, a prominent conservative commentator, urged Johnson to prioritize building a border wall. He set the construction of 900 miles of border wall as a non-negotiable condition for supporting any border policy legislation. Hewitt emphasized that he would oppose any deal that didn’t include immediate commencement of wall construction, highlighting the significance he places on this physical barrier.

Johnson responded by acknowledging the importance of the wall, but also pointed out the broader context of border security, referencing H.R. 2, the House-passed GOP border bill, which includes the “remain in Mexico” policy. He indicated that while the wall is a key priority, there are other aspects of border security that also need to be addressed in any comprehensive immigration deal.