Sheila Jackson Lee: 'I Disagree that Our Border Is in Devastating Condition'

In an appearance on MSNBC on Thursday, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) told anchor Craig Melvin it was her view that the U.S.-Mexico border was not in as bad as shape as it is perceived to be.

Jackson Lee argued more resources would help strengthen the border, but she argued that the issue is only being looked at from the perspective of the current influx.

Partial transcript as follows:

JACKSON LEE: [T]hen on the other end, Craig, we have got to be able to deal with their care and then deal with our border. I disagree that our border is in devastating condition. Our border patrol agents are doing their job.

MELVIN: Do you think the border is secure?

JACKSON LEE: Craig, here what I think. I think you have not looked to this issue except for this rising migration.

MELVIN: Congresswoman, this is — this is a very simple question, yes or no, are our borders secure?

JACKSON LEE: I think our border with now 21,000 border patrol agents is under control. We need to give them more resources, more equipment and they can stand to have more support as it relates to the increasing of those numbers that may come through the supplemental. There’s a large amount of money for increasing numbers of border patrol and ICE officers. But I would not cry fire to suggest that our border patrol agents are not on the job. They are on the job. I have spoken to them. I have been on the border, I have been on the Rio Grande. I have been on the border at night.  

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