Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed a letter with 25 other Republican governors requesting an in-person meeting with President Joe Biden about the U.S. border with Mexico and concerns over national security and public health, according to a release from the governor’s office.
“The sustained availability of drugs and the impact from crime related to drug abuse – including property and violent crimes – present continuing threats to the health and safety of Idahoans,” Little said in the release. “Meth and fentanyl are the most serious and growing drug threats in Idaho, and there is a direct tie to the loose border with Mexico. America’s governors, including me, are asking the president to talk to us and work with us on solutions to the crisis.”
Little announced in July that Idaho would send a specialized team of Idaho State Police troopers to assist with intelligence gathering and investigative work related to drug interdiction at the border. The troopers served as a force multiplier for local border enforcement efforts and brought their experience back to Idaho.
“Despite the lack of federal action to reverse the crisis, many states have stepped up and committed unprecedented resources to support the security of our national border,” the letter says. “… Our immigration system may be complicated and complex, but the solution to ending the border crisis is simple and straightforward.”
The letter requests a meeting within 15 days.
“While we know your responsibilities as commander-in-chief are substantial, ending the national crisis and securing our states must be a priority,” the letter said.
