Secure the Border, Enforce the Law

A Nation Must Control Its Border

A country that cannot control its border cannot maintain its sovereignty.

Immigration policy is not just about who comes into the country. It is about whether the law is enforced, whether the system is credible, and whether the federal government is doing its basic job.

Right now, it is not.

The United States has seen record levels of illegal crossings, overwhelmed systems, and inconsistent enforcement. Policies change, rules are selectively applied, and the result is confusion, strain on communities, and a loss of trust.

I support a system that is lawful, orderly, and enforced.

What Is Driving the Problem?

Failure to Enforce Existing Law

The United States already has immigration laws on the books. The problem is not a lack of law—it is a lack of consistent enforcement.

Incentives That Encourage Illegal Entry

When policies signal that crossing the border will result in release, delayed processing, or uncertain consequences, it creates incentives that drive further illegal migration.

Overburdened and Inconsistent Systems

Border enforcement, asylum processing, and immigration courts are strained and inconsistent. This leads to backlogs, delays, and outcomes that are difficult to track or enforce.

Federal-State Tension

States and local communities are often left to deal with the consequences of federal immigration policy without clear authority or support.

Why It Matters to Idaho

Idaho is not a border state, but it is not insulated from federal failure.

Immigration policy affects labor markets, public services, housing, healthcare, and community stability. When the system is not enforced, those pressures are felt across the country.

At the same time, Idaho communities value law, order, and fairness. A system that is not enforced is neither fair to citizens nor to those who follow the legal process.

My Approach

Immigration policy must begin with enforcement.

A functioning system requires:

• Secure borders
• Clear and consistent rules
• Timely and accountable processes

We can be a nation that enforces its laws and treats people with dignity at the same time. These are not competing goals.

The federal government has a responsibility to enforce immigration law. That responsibility cannot be shifted to states, counties, or local law enforcement without clear authority and support.

Policy Priorities

Secure the Border

I support operational control of the border through effective enforcement, infrastructure where needed, and properly resourced personnel.

Enforce Existing Law Consistently

Laws must be applied consistently. Selective enforcement undermines credibility and encourages further violations.

Remove Perverse Incentives

Policies that encourage illegal entry by signaling weak enforcement or delayed consequences must be addressed.

Strengthen Immigration System Accountability

Processes should be timely, transparent, and enforceable. Backlogs and uncertainty weaken the system.

Respect Federal-State Roles

The federal government must carry out its responsibilities without imposing unfunded mandates or shifting enforcement burdens onto local communities.

Day One Priorities

In the Senate, I will support legislation and oversight to:

• Strengthen enforcement of existing immigration laws
• Increase transparency and accountability in border and immigration processes
• Address policies that create incentives for illegal entry
• Improve efficiency and consistency in immigration courts and proceedings
• Ensure federal responsibility is not shifted onto states without authority or support

Bottom Line

A nation must enforce its laws to remain a nation.

Border security is not about politics. It is about sovereignty, order, and fairness.

When the law is clear and consistently enforced, the system works. When it is not, the system breaks down.