POLITICS & ELECTIONS

‘We should all be concerned’: Gov. Cox details trip to US-Mexico border

Feb 4, 2024, 10:19 PM | Updated: Feb 5, 2024, 5:38 am

SALT LAKE CITY — After a trip to the southern border with 14 other Republican governors, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox detailed his experience in Texas, calling the border crisis a public safety issue.

Cox returned from Texas on Sunday saying he will continue to put pressure on President Joe Biden and Congress to fix issues at the border.

“Things have gotten significantly worse, especially over the past year,” Cox said. “There’s a record number of illegal migrants who crossed the border illegally.”

A reported more than 3.2 million people illegally crossed in 2023. Cox compared that to Utah’s population of 3.4 million.

He said the situation at the border is something Utahns should care about because the impacts of illegal immigration are felt here.

“We’ve heard several governors say that every state is a border state right now,” Cox said.

Utah is welcoming

He noted that he believes Utah is welcoming to immigrants and refugees.

“There are lots of false narratives around here that if you care about border security, that means you hate immigrants or refugees,” Cox said. “That is not true.”

Cox said he thinks Biden needs to enforce existing immigration laws.

“President Biden can’t fix all of this, but he can fix most of this with the authority that he has,” Cox said.

He said Congress should make changes, too.

“Congress has also abdicated their responsibility for the past 40 years to help fix some of the things that are broken with immigration,” Cox said.

The journey to the States can be deadly. Cox said when people do make it to the states, including Utah, there may not be a guaranteed place for them to stay.

“It’s putting a strain on our resources,” he said.

Drugs are finding their way to the Beehive State

He said drugs like meth and fentanyl are also making their way to Utah.

“The numbers that are being apprehended at the border are just, they’re mind-blowing,” Cox said.

The governor said it’s making drug addiction in the Beehive State worse.

“You can literally walk through downtown Salt Lake City and see the impacts of those drugs that are coming across the border with Mexico,” Cox said.

He called the border crisis a public safety issue.

“Part of stopping illegal immigration is to fix legal immigration,” Cox said.

The governor said he’ll continue to press the president and Congress to make changes.

“Fix legal immigration so people can come through the front door the right way,” he said.

Cox said he believes most of the immigrants who come to the United States are good people seeking a better life. He said he’s concerned about lives being put at risk by those with bad intentions making it across the border.

KSL 5 TV Live

Politics & Elections

Jeff Kauffmann and other union members wait to hear discussion and voting on HB267...

Caitlyn Keith, Deseret News

Public labor union bill back to a complete ban on collective bargaining

After multiple changes were made to one of the most controversial bills of the 2025 legislative session, the latest House version of a public labor unions bill would once again completely prohibit public sector collective bargaining.

32 minutes ago

Rep. Cheryl Acton, R-West Jordan, wants to help police collect better evidence in domestic violence...

Annie Knox

Lawmaker says one change could keep more Utahns safe from their abusers

A Utah lawmaker wants to help police collect better evidence in domestic violence cases.

15 hours ago

Food dyes...

Daniel Woodruff

Utah lawmaker takes aim at candy, soda and food dyes with 2 new bills

A new Utah lawmaker is pushing two bills aimed at helping people eat healthy.

19 hours ago

A clock is pictured on Main Street in Salt Lake City on Jan. 22. Utah lawmakers advanced a bill to ...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com and Daniel Woodruff, KSL TV

A ‘waste of time’? Utah House passes bill to end daylight saving time

The House of Representatives has given the green light to a bill letting Utah ditch daylight saving time.

21 hours ago

House Rep. Jefferson Burton, R-Salem, presents HB300 during a hearing by the House Government Opera...

Andrew Adams

Bill that aims to alter vote-by-mail option in Utah advances on Capitol Hill

A bill that aims to require voters to return their mailed ballots in person passed a House committee vote Tuesday.

1 day ago

Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department as attorney general...

Alanna Durkin Richer and Stephen Groves, Associated Press

Senate confirms Pam Bondi as US attorney general, putting Trump ally at Justice Department’s helm

The Senate has confirmed Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

‘We should all be concerned’: Gov. Cox details trip to US-Mexico border