Congresswoman Boebert Calls For Alligators To Be Deployed At Southern Border

The controversial freshman Congresswoman from Colorado, Lauren Boebert, has drawn criticism from legislators and immigration advocates over her recent suggestion that alligators could be used to patrol the southern border.

According to experts, while made in jest during a town hall meeting with constituents, Boebert’s comments promote harmful rhetoric and stereotypes. As the immigration debate continues in Washington, some call for more responsible discourse even as extremes on both sides dig in.

Boebert Suggests Digging Moat Filled With Alligators at Southern Border

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) proposed deploying alligators in moats along the U.S.-Mexico border in response to criticism of former President Trump’s immigration policies. During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) reminded members of some of the extreme measures suggested by Trump, including “alligator moats along the border.”

Mocking Garcia’s comments, Boebert told the conservative news network One America News that she would co-sponsor legislation like the one described by Garcia. “I do believe that Robert Garcia did present to the nation our newest border bill with the gators, an electric fence and spikes,” she said, laughing.

Boebert Claims She Borrowed The Alligator Idea

Boebert claimed that comedian Ron White originally suggested using alligators and moats at the border, though The New York Times reported in 2019 that Trump had privately discussed similar ideas. Democrats criticized Boebert’s support for such extreme proposals. Garcia’s spokesperson said Boebert’s comments promoted “dangerous, unethical, and inhumane policy proposals.”

The exchange highlights the partisan divide over immigration policy. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration over the increase in migrant encounters at the border last year, claiming officials are failing to enforce immigration laws. The Biden administration rejected a Republican effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who oversees border security, over the issue.

Background on Rep. Lauren Boebert and Her Controversial Remarks

Rep. Boebert staunchly supports former President Trump and his “America First” policies. She is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of hard-line Republicans, and was elected to represent Colorado’s 3rd congressional district in 2020.

Rep. Boebert is known for her controversial and often contentious statements, especially regarding immigration. The issue of border security and immigration reform is contentious, with disagreements over how best to handle the recent increase in migrants arriving at the southern border.

There Are Better Ways to Match American Values

The Biden administration rejected Rep. Boebert’s suggestions. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who Rep. Boebert and other Republicans have tried to impeach, said there are more humane ways to improve border security that align with American values.

Rep. Boebert’s remarks exemplify the deep partisan divide over immigration and border security. With control of Congress split, compromise has been elusive. However, most lawmakers and Americans agree that border policy should uphold humanitarian values, protect national security, and clarify the immigration system.

Responses From Lawmakers and Public Figures Condemning the Remark

Lawmakers and public figures have condemned Representative Lauren Boebert’s suggestion that alligator moats be implemented along the southern border. House Democrats called the remark “absurd and cruel,” while Republicans distanced themselves from the controversial statement.

Representative Robert Garcia, who originally mentioned former President Trump’s suggestion of an alligator moat in a Homeland Security Committee hearing, said Boebert’s endorsement of the idea was “dangerous and irresponsible.” Garcia asserted that reasonable policy discussions on border security should not include “shooting migrants, bombing Mexico, or building alligator moats.”

Xenophobic and Shameful Tactics Have No Place in America

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Boebert’s comments “xenophobic’ and “shameful,” saying they “serve only to endanger migrants and undermine serious efforts at reform.” Pelosi urged Republican leadership to condemn Boebert’s rhetoric and work with Democrats on bipartisan immigration solutions.

Some Republicans have also criticized Boebert’s statement. Senator Lindsey Graham said the suggestion of alligator moats was “just plain dumb” and that reasonable people would not seriously consider such a policy. Representative Adam Kinzinger called Boebert’s comments “garbage” that make the party look “like a bunch of kooks.”

Relationship to Broader Debates About Immigration Policy

The exchange between Representatives Boebert and Garcia reflects the broader debates surrounding immigration policy and border security in the U.S. Currently, there is a surge of migrants arriving at the southern border, with over 2 million encounters reported in 2022 alone.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Democratic legislators have advocated for more humane immigration reform. A bipartisan Senate bill is in the works to overhaul the immigration system, though its passage in the House remains uncertain.

Other Inflammatory Comments Made by Rep. Boebert

Representative Lauren Boebert (R-CO) has developed a reputation for making controversial and inflammatory statements during her time in Congress. Her comment suggesting the deployment of alligators along the southern border to deter migrants is just the latest in a series of remarks that have drawn criticism.

Boebert has also promoted misinformation about COVID-19 and elections. She has falsely claimed that COVID-19 death toll numbers were inflated and spread baseless theories about voter fraud in the 2020 election. Boebert was also among the Republicans who amplified false claims about Dominion Voting Systems and pushed for audits of election results in various states.

What the Future Holds for Boebert’s Political Career

Lauren Boebert’s controversial remarks about using alligators and electric fences to secure the southern border have drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Her statements indicate the firebrand style that has come to characterize her brief time in Congress thus far.

This approach may endear her to certain far-right voters but risks alienating more moderate members of the Republican base and independents. Critics argue that Boebert’s rhetoric and policy positions are not pragmatic or realistic.

Immigration is Problematic, But There Are Better Ways To Deal With It

Representative Boebert’s recent comments regarding installing alligator moats at the southern border have stirred debate and criticism. While some view the remarks as an attempt at humor, others see them as insensitive and impractical.

The statement has drawn attention to the complex issues surrounding immigration policy and border security. Going forward, a thoughtful discussion of these difficult topics, grounded in facts and empathy, may lead to solutions broadly seen as ethical and effective.