Little: Address border crisis

Gov. Brad Little joined more than half of the nation’s governors in calling on President Joe Biden to address the border crisis immediately.

The governors are requesting an in-person meeting with President Biden to find solutions to the national security and public health crisis created by the unenforced border with Mexico.

“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 a press 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."

The governors point out that many states have stepped up and committed unprecedented resources to support security at the border.

In July, Little announced 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 completed their weeks-long mission, serving both as a force multiplier for local efforts at a time when it’s needed along the border and, importantly, to bring back to Idaho the experience of seeing and learning up-to-the-minute enforcement techniques," the release said.