This resolution acknowledges the ongoing crisis at the southern border of the United States, particularly affecting Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. It cites the declaration of a state of invasion at the Texas border by Governor Greg Abbott in November 2022 and points to the record levels of illegal border crossings, with over 5.8 million incidents since January 2021. The resolution also highlights the apprehension of over 10,800 illegal aliens with criminal convictions and the significant quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The crisis is linked to the worsening opioid crisis, with a majority of drug overdose deaths in 2022 being attributed to illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
The resolution emphasizes that the border crisis affects the entire country, with every state now bearing the consequences of the surge in illegal crossings and drug trafficking. It notes that states like Alabama are supporting the efforts to secure the border, with Governor Ivey committing 275 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. The resolution concludes with the Alabama Legislature's pledge to support the efforts of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico to combat the crisis and secure the southern border, asserting that border security is integral to national security.