LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As Texas continues to increase security measures at the border, Michigan representatives are calling upon Governor Gretchen Whitmer to support Texas.

In the second letter submitted to the Governor from the Republican House of Representatives, State Rep. Alicia St. Germaine (R-Harrison Township) wrote to her and reminded her of the ongoing “humanitarian crisis.”

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“We write you requesting that as the duly elected executive of the state of Michigan and a key voice within our nation’s political discussion, that you immediately work with the President of the United States to secure our nation’s border through all actions and resources at the disposal of the federal government and work with the state Legislature to lessen the impact of the border crisis on the people of Michigan,” the letter said.

In addition to Rep. St. Germaine, 26 other legislators signed onto the letter sent to the Governor, which highlighted that in 2022, 68% of overdose deaths in the United States were linked to fentanyl, “a growing issue in our area.”

“As legislators, we have witnessed the terrible impacts of fentanyl throughout our districts,” the letter said. “Numerous constituents have lost loved ones from narcotics laced with fentanyl. Drug rehabilitation programs and various community-based narcotics recovery programs, such as Families Against Narcotics, are overwhelmed by the surging number of overdoses and addictions. Local first responders struggle to keep up with increased fentanyl-linked crimes and deaths.”

The legislators expressed a desire to work with Gov. Whitmer’s administration and the state Senate regarding the passage of legislation related the state’s response to the border situation and reducing the drug deaths.

“Securing our nation’s border guarantees our continued commitment to the rule of law over chaos,” the letter said. “As a leader in our state, we hope you will work to preserve prosperity for people who are rightfully concerned about what they are seeing take place.”

Michigan legislators visit Texas amidst border battle.

Last week, a portion of the Michigan Freedom Caucus, including: State Representatives Steve Carra (R-Three Rivers), Matt Maddock (R-Milford), and Neil Friske (R-Charlevoix), journeyed south to better understand the immigration policies.

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The group shared their impression about the border security before and after the visit.

“It was believed border security would deter illegal immigration, and it has certainly drastically reduced illegal immigration in the Eagle Pass area,” the group shared in an email to Michigan News Source. “However, for those who do still cross, the border security seems to serve more as a welcoming committee, assisting them in their journey to America illegally. The Texas National Guard seems to have an appetite to do more to curb illegal immigration, but their hands are tied.”

The problem at the border is also worse than originally thought according to the Freedom Caucus.

“The problem is every bit as serious as we thought if not more, although alternative locations to cross the border such as Arizona are becoming more prevalent,” they said in the email. “There’s more money to be made in the illegal immigration process than we realized, both on the other side of the border and in America.”

There are several next steps that the Michigan legislature can accomplish according to the group.

“Ensuring our state doesn’t incentivize illegal immigration is of utmost importance,” they said in the email. “Legal immigration should be easier and we need to make sure we don’t incentivize illegal immigration.”

Locals have been having varying responses to the border situation according to the group.

“Locals are well aware of the gravity of the situation with illegal immigration,” they said in the email. “However, it seems the cartels have a good working relationship with the community, earning their trust and respect. Eagle Pass has both a very high Hispanic population and a very high percentage of their residents who not only speak fluent English but use it as their primary language indicating that the vast majority of illegal immigrants who cross in the area end up dispersing throughout the nation.”

“Border Patrol operates like a welcoming committee, assisting immigrants with processing as they seek asylum,” said the legislators in the email.

“That’s what they’ve been instructed to do,” they added, “Also, the Texas National Guard turns over illegal immigrants to Border Patrol. Aside from shutting down criminal activity when discovered, the whole process seems to simply facilitate the relocation of illegal immigrants who are seen as a commodity by cartels who financially gain from their decision to seek asylum in America.”

In early February, two letters were submitted, one to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the other to Texas Governor Greg Abbott advocating for support of Texas’ defense of the southern border.