Hoosier State Today

U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-Indiana) has expressed concern over the Biden administration's handling of Venezuelan immigration, claiming in a social media post that "Biden has only deported .25% of the Venezuelans who have illegally entered our country" and accusing him of "aiding and abetting an invasion."

"New data from ICE and CBP shows that Biden has only deported .25% of the Venezuelans who have illegally entered our country," said Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), Rep from Indiana, according to X. "Biden is aiding and abetting an invasion!"

In his social media post, Banks shared a screenshot from a Fox Business report. The report revealed that in the fiscal year 2023, there were 335,000 encounters with Venezuelan immigrants who had crossed the border illegally, with only 834 of these encounters resulting in deportations.

Screenshot of post on X | https://twitter.com/Jim_Banks/status/1767925042879365319

Additionally, Banks' post highlighted a Fox Business headline about a tragic incident involving an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. According to the New York Post, Edina Bracho is facing charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter following a fatal car crash in Missouri. The accident resulted in the death of 12-year-old Travis Wolfe after Bracho's minivan collided head-on with a Jeep driven by Wolfe's parents. It was reported that Bracho was speeding at 75 mph in a 40-mph zone at the time of the accident. Following three months on life support, Wolfe succumbed to his injuries. Bracho is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

CBS News reported last September that there was a record number of crossings by Venezuelans at the southern border. Approximately 50,000 Venezuelan migrants crossed in one month alone, placing significant strain on authorities and resources. Despite efforts by the Biden administration to discourage unauthorized entry by Venezuelans, this continued influx reflects Venezuela's ongoing crisis and its status as "the largest external displacement crisis in the world."

Representative Jim Banks serves Indiana's 3rd District. A veteran and former Indiana State Senator, he continues to voice his concerns regarding immigration policies.