Assembly Republicans Call on Newsom to Fight Fentanyl and Human Trafficking at the Border

Sacramento, CA – Today, the Assembly Republican Caucus sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, urging him to take action on the humanitarian and drug crisis at California’s southern border. In the letter, Republican lawmakers highlighted the insufficiency of Gov. Newsom’s border security measures to date, which have included increasing the state’s presence at the border by just 20 National Guard members. 

Our southern border is in crisis,” said Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (Yuba City). “Human trafficking and the influx of deadly drugs like fentanyl are devastating communities and destroying innocent lives. The time for rhetoric and political stunts is over – Gov. Newsom needs to lay out his plan to secure our border and protect Californians.”

The letter also describes the devastating impact of the border crisis on California, including a 700% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths in San Diego County since 2016.

Fentanyl is flowing over our border. People young and old are dying. It is killing thousands of Californians each year and families are being torn apart,” said Assemblywoman Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach). “We need real, bipartisan solutions to address the border crisis.” 

The open border is a direct result of the Biden Administration’s failure to enforce federal law,” said Assemblyman Bill Essayli (R-Corona). “They are allowing open borders which is fueling the fentanyl and humanitarian crisis at the border and it must be stopped.”

The Assembly Republican Caucus is committed to working towards a solution to this crisis and protecting the people of California. The letter is available HERE.

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