Ricketts Highlights Successful Efforts to Secure Border, Protect Nebraskans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) highlighted successes in securing the border and keeping Nebraskans safe.

"A nation is only as secure as its borders. Joe Biden's open border policies created a national security, humanitarian, and drug catastrophe," said Ricketts. "President Trump won re-election promising to secure the border. This year, that's exactly what we've delivered: a secure border. President Trump and Senate Republicans are keeping Americans safe."

"For six straight months, U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country. It's the first time in modern history that has happened," continued Ricketts. "Average daily border encounters are 95% lower than under Biden in 2024. This fiscal year, we've seen fewer illegal border encounters than ever before. That's fantastic progress. Biden said he needed Congress to act. Turns out, we just needed a new President."

Watch the video here.

Ricketts made the comments as Eswin Mejia, Sarah Root's killer, faced justice for his crimes. On Monday, Mejia pled no contest on one count of motor vehicle homicide - DUI. He also pled guilty for one count of failure to appear in court.

TRANSCRIPT:

Senator Ricketts: "A nation is only as secure as its borders.

"Joe Biden's open border policies created a national security, humanitarian, and drug catastrophe.

"President Trump won re-election promising to secure the border.

"This year, that's exactly what we've delivered: a secure border.

"President Trump and Senate Republicans are keeping Americans safe.

"Under President Biden, there were 10 and a half million illegal border encounters.

"Every state was a border state.

"Over 250 people on the FBI's terrorist watch list crossed into America.

"Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.

"76,000 pounds of fentanyl flowed across the open border.

"76,000 pounds of fentanyl is over 10 billion lethal doses.

"That's enough to kill every American 30 times over.

"President Biden's failed border policies exacerbated the fentanyl crisis in this country.

"Biden's open border policies had deadly consequences across the country.

"Nebraska was no exception.

"They stole the young life of Nebraskan Taryn Lee Griffith.

"This summer, authorities arrested two members of the violent MS-13 gang in Omaha.

"In August, five people were arrested in Omaha for sex trafficking and human trafficking, visa fraud, and money laundering.

"They trafficked minors and illegal immigrants across hotels and salons that they owned.

"All five are here in the country illegally.

"This is what happens when you have an open border.

"The American people voted to close Joe Biden's open borders.

"They want our laws enforced.

"That's what President Trump is doing.

"For six straight months, U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into our country.

"It's the first time in modern history that has happened.

"Average daily border encounters are 95% lower than under Biden in 2024.

"This fiscal year, we've seen fewer illegal border encounters than ever before.

"That's fantastic progress.

"Biden said he needed Congress to act.

"Turns out, we just needed a new President.

"In the Senate, we're doing our part to secure our border.

"We passed the One Big Beautiful Bill.

"The OBBB makes a generational investment to help finish the border wall, upgrade border technology, and hire more Border Patrol agents.

"It will help deliver more immigration judges and prosecutors.

"This will help crack down on drug cartels at the border.

"We passed the Laken Riley Act into law.

"Laken Riley was just 22 years old when her life was taken by an illegal immigrant.

"This bipartisan bill ensures that criminal illegal aliens will be detained and deported.

"It protects American lives.

"The Laken Riley Act also includes Sarah's Law.

"In 2016, just hours after graduating college, Sarah Root was killed.

"She was killed by an illegal alien drunk driver.

"Due to a loophole in federal law, her killer posted bail, was released from jail, and fled the country.

"Sarah's Law requires ICE to detain aliens criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person.

"It closes the loophole that allowed Sarah's killer to avoid accountability for nine years.

"We took action to stop the flow of illegal drugs.

"We passed the HALT Fentanyl Act.

"The bill permanently classified fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

"It will lead to harsher sentences for fentanyl traffickers.

"I also introduced legislation to fight against next-generation drugs like Nitazene.

"Nitazenes are synthetic opioids that often are deadlier than fentanyl.

"My bill would help prevent Nitazenes from becoming the next drug crisis.

"The American people voted to close Joe Biden's open borders and restore order.

"I'm working with President Trump and my Senate colleagues to deliver on this priority.

"Under our Republican majority, order is being restored.

"The continued safety and security of Nebraska is my top priority.

"I will keep fighting to keep our communities safe."