Gimenez Looks to Codify Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' Immigration Policy, Calls Biden 'Weak and Gutless'

Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez along with fellow Floridians, Reps. Kat Cammack and John Rutherford (co-sponsors), have introduced a legislative measure to codify former President Donald Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy. Late last week, Rep. Gimenez introduced his “Migrant Protection Protocols Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act, calling the Biden Administration's move to end the Trump-era immigration policy as "weak and gutless."

In a press release, Rep. Gimenez outlined how the Trump Administration’s immigration policy forced the Mexican government to do their share of the heavy lifting to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the U.S.

“Under the Trump Administration, the Remain in Mexico policy forced the Mexican government to be a reliable partner in stemming illegal migration throughout the region by forcing Mexico to enforce its own border protection with the rest of Central American countries. The policy worked. The policy made sense. Our communities and our families were safer because of it.

The weak and gutless decision by the Biden Administration to reverse the Remain in Mexico Policy incentivizes Mexico to pass its border security responsibilities to the United States rather than dealing with the influx of migrants from Central and South America at the Mexican border.

Right now, the vast majority of migrants seeking asylum from their home countries are not actually from Mexico, but rather, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and even countries such as Cuba, Haiti, and beyond. If the true intent of these migrants is to seek refuge from brutal regimes and harsh living conditions in their home countries, then it would make sense for them to apply for asylum in Mexico rather than engage in the dangerous and treacherous journey to the United States,” Gimenez said after introducing the bill.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to end the Migration Protection Protocols was a devastating blow to our border and national security. One of the only remaining tools at our agents’ disposal, the border crisis will only worsen without the necessary steps taken to safeguard MPP and its demonstrated success. I’m glad to join Rep. Gimenez and my colleagues in enshrining MPP into law and returning law and order to the southern border with this important change,” Congresswoman Cammack said after cosponsoring the legislation.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee, I am focused on protecting our national security and promoting fair and effective immigration policies. The President’s open border policies are making our communities less safe, and the reinstatement of catch-and-release has allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants to be released all over the United States. The Migrant Protection Protocols Act will reaffirm our commitment to national security and public safety by giving us time to vet migrants before allowing them into the country,” Congressman Rutherford said after supporting the bill.

In announcing the bill, Rep. Gimenez tweeted a graphic showing the increased number of apprehensions of illegal immigrants crossing the southern border since the Trump-era immigration policy was scrapped.

“When the Biden admin first ended Remain in Mexico, border apprehension numbers increased every month. That is why I introduced legislation to codify Remain in Mexico. Now is not the time to send the message that it is worth the dangerous and treacherous journey to the U.S.,” added Gimenez.

Both Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have expressed their support for the Remain in Mexico policy.