House Speaker Johnson Visits Border Amid Controversy Over Immigration Policies

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., made an unannounced visit to the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday, shortly after a resolution was passed by six Democrats and all House Republicans condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her management of the migrant crisis. Johnson characterized the San Diego sector as the "epicenter of the Biden-Harris border catastrophe," expressing concerns that the ongoing influx of illegal immigrants could jeopardize the integrity of U.S. elections. Johnson's remarks followed a statement from Jon Anfinsen, a union official, who criticized the Biden administration's recent executive order, claiming it misrepresents the situation at the border. Anfinsen noted that while Border Patrol encounters have decreased, many asylum seekers are now arriving at ports of entry, potentially exploiting the system. This shift has led to a higher number of encounters at these locations compared to Border Patrol. In response, the White House defended the administration's actions, citing a Department of Homeland Security report that indicated a 55% reduction in encounters at the Southwest border since the executive order was implemented. They also highlighted a 30% drop in migrant encounters at ports of entry without the CBP One app from May to June. Additionally, Johnson promoted the recently passed Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility Act, which aims to impose proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration. While the bill received bipartisan support in the House, it faces opposition in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The White House criticized Johnson's efforts as distractions from more pressing border security negotiations.