Congressman Bryan Steil | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Bryan Steil | Official U.S. House headshot
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) has responded to Whitewater Police Chief Daniel Meyer's plea for assistance in managing the growing number of migrants in the city. Chief Meyer had written a letter to President Biden, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in meeting public safety demands due to the sudden influx of migrants.
In November, Rep. Steil and Senator Ron Johnson organized a roundtable discussion with Walworth County and Whitewater law enforcement, including Chief Meyer, to address the impact of illegal immigration on the community. During the meeting, law enforcement officials shared that the influx of migrants had led to the infiltration of Mexico's Gulf Cartel into Whitewater. The cartel has reportedly been involved in various illegal activities in the city, including drug and sex trafficking, as well as the sale of fraudulent ID documents.
In his response to Chief Meyer's letter, Congressman Steil expressed his commitment to addressing the issue and holding the Biden administration accountable. He stated, "I am working to force the Biden administration to change course to secure the border and stop the flow of illegal migrants into the U.S. and places like Whitewater." Rep. Steil acknowledged the complexity of illegal immigration and emphasized the need for a collaborative response.
Highlighting the strain on the Whitewater community, Congressman Steil noted the significant increase in migrants over the past two years. He stated, "Whitewater is a city of approximately 15,000 people that has been forced to deal with an influx of 800-1,000 migrants arriving primarily from Nicaragua and Venezuela in the last two years." This sudden surge has overwhelmed local law enforcement, leading to a shortage of resources and an inability to serve residents effectively.
Ensuring the safety of families and children in Whitewater remains a top priority for Congressman Steil. He expressed concern about the illegal activities that have arisen as a result of the border crisis, stating, "The illegal activity in our community caused by the border crisis is why I'm working to force the Biden administration to change course and implement policies that will secure the border."
In conclusion, Congressman Steil's response to Chief Meyer's letter demonstrates his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Whitewater due to the increase in migrants. He is actively working to hold the Biden administration accountable and implement policies that will secure the border, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.