During a recent government meeting, lawmakers expressed extreme concern over the rising numbers of individuals attempting to cross the U.S. border, particularly those on terrorist watch lists. One participant emphasized that the situation is \"outrageous\" and \"preventable,\" highlighting the potential threats posed by unknown or suspected terrorists entering the country. The discussion underscored a belief that these threats extend to every state and community, with particular emphasis on urban areas, including those with sanctuary city laws.

The meeting also addressed staffing challenges within border patrol agencies, with officials noting that despite calls for increased hiring, many positions remain unfilled due to low morale and changes in mission under the current administration. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of border security measures, as lawmakers pointed out that even if additional agents were authorized, the inability to fill existing vacancies undermines efforts to secure the border.

Furthermore, the dialogue included reflections on past political stances regarding border security, with some lawmakers criticizing the current administration for reversing previously supported policies, such as the construction of physical barriers. They argued that the current approach has led to a significant increase in individuals on terrorist watch lists entering the U.S., with statistics indicating a stark contrast to previous years.

Overall, the meeting highlighted a bipartisan concern regarding national security and the effectiveness of current border policies, with calls for a reevaluation of strategies to address these pressing issues.