Texas landowners demand federal funding for migrant property damage
Landowners in Texas are demanding federal funds for property damage caused by illegal migrants.
DEL RIO, TEXAS – MAY 17: Immigrants walk along the riverbank after crossing the Rio Grande on May 17, 2021 in Del Rio, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:40 PM PT – Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Landowners in Texas are demanding federal funds for property damage caused by illegal migrants.
In an interview on Wednesday, the director of the South Texans’ Property Rights Association called on the government to secure the border. She said landowners have been facing a daily incursion of illegal immigrants, including driving through fences and gates, breaking into hunting camps, and destroying private property.
Local law enforcement and city officials have reportedly received $30 million in federal funding to reimburse local communities and non-governmental organizations that spent significant resources on migrant care. However, landowners have said they’ve been overlooked.
“We don’t want to compete with law enforcement monies because of, you know, stolen vehicles and that sort of thing. So, where does that come from? That leaves the landowner high and dry,” said Executive Director Susan Kibbe.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz visited with local landowners during the 16th Annual South Texans’ Property Rights Association meeting and briefed on the agency’s challenges and objectives.
Maintaining strong community relationships is essential to executing our mission. pic.twitter.com/t0LCe4Hgtq
— Chief Patrol Agent Brian Hastings (@USBPChiefRGV) October 15, 2021
Kibbe said she has been working with county officials in order to make a change and bring attention to the issue, but has stressed the need for the federal government’s help. She added “it’s the federal government’s job to secure the border.”
“It’s getting very expensive,” she expressed. “We have heard nothing from the federal government on help for private property owners.”