Tony Gonzales: As of July 21, 2024, there were 662,566 noncitizens with criminal histories on ICE’s national docket

Press release received from U.S, Representative District 23 Tony Gonzales

Americans Deserve Transparency:

The Biden-Harris Border Crisis

In March, I requested data from the Biden-Harris administration on how many illegal immigrants with a criminal history have been released in our communities.

I received an answer this week: Over 662,000.

The data released by ICE is beyond disturbing, and it should be a wake-up call for the Biden-Harris administration and cities across the country that hide behind sanctuary policies.

I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure ICE has the resources necessary to conduct deportations of those who are not authorized to be here, especially those that pose a danger to our public safety. This must be a priority.

Legislation on the Move

This week, my PEARL Act passed in the Committee on Homeland Security.

The PEARL Act would establish a pilot program that connects local animal shelters with Customs and Border Protection personnel to provide Border Patrol Agents and Customs Officers with support dogs to assist in their demanding roles.

With the unprecedented crisis at the southern border, it’s critical that CBP has access to resources that support staff members and their overall wellbeing.

 

I will always work to support the hardworking men and women who defend our borders.

Delivering for Veterans

Ensuring veterans’ benefits are protected is one of my top priorities.

When news broke this month of a $3 billion budget shortfall at the VA that could jeopardize veterans’ compensation and benefits, I worked alongside my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to help introduce the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024.

This legislation, signed into law last Friday, secures $2.89 billion in emergency funding, guaranteeing that veterans’ benefits remain fully funded without interruption.

I will always stand by our veterans and fight to protect the benefits they earned.

District to D.C.

It’s always great to meet with Texans in Washington, D.C. If you’re ever in town, I encourage you to stop by our office.

This week, I met with the San Antonio Chapter of Associated General Contractors. This organization plays a vital role in building our communities, and I’m eager to collaborate with them to support infrastructure developments in Bexar County.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Hudspeth County Judge Jojo MacKenzie. I’m committed to continuing to work alongside Judge MacKenzie to ensure West Texas receives the support it deserves in Congress.