OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Former Border Patrol Chief Ortiz criticized the lack of engagement from Biden and Harris on border issues during his tenure, saying he never met with either of them to discuss the crisis.
Ortiz asserted it is important for the President to meet with Border Patrol officials to understand the problem firsthand and develop solutions.
Ortiz said, “Well, certainly, I think it’s important that the President meet with Border Patrol officials to find out exactly what needs to be done to remedy the crisis that’s ongoing.”
He emphasized the situation is severe across major border sectors like San Diego, El Paso, and Tucson.
To remedy it requires the President and Vice President to sit down and work with Border Patrol leaders to craft solutions, according to Ortiz, something he said was long overdue and did not happen during his time as Chief.
“And it’s not just in South Texas or West Texas. It’s happening in Tucson, San Diego, El Paso. Those are the three busiest areas along the southwest border right now. And the only way you’re going to actually hear firsthand is by talking to those Border Patrol officials, by meeting with the chief of the Border Patrol,” he said.
“I’ve made it perfectly clear, when I was the Chief, I never once met with the President or the Vice President. And I think it’s long overdue that they sit down and roll up their sleeves and start coming up with some solutions.”