FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
January 3, 2019
Steve Marshall
For More Information, contact:
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Page 1 of 1
Attorney General Steve Marshall Calls on New Congress to Support Border Wall;
Criticizes Speaker Pelosi for Failing to Address Border Security
(MONTGOMERY) – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall called on the new Congress convening
today in Washington to fully fund a border wall to protect Americans and uphold the rule of law.
Attorney General Marshall also criticized incoming U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco,
for deliberately ignoring border security by pushing a budget plan that funds every remaining federal
agency for the balance of fiscal 2019 except for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“It is the fundamental role of government to provide for the safety and security of its citizens and yet
many in Washington, D.C., shirk this basic duty in order to score political points,” said Attorney General
Marshall. “Shame on them and shame on Speaker Pelosi for turning a blind eye to continued security
threats to Americans by refusing to fund a border wall and the vital operations of U.S. Homeland
Security.
“As Alabama’s Attorney General, I am deeply troubled by the steady stream of dangerous illegal drugs
entering my state and the impact it has on our citizens and law enforcement. Drug trafficking, human
trafficking and many violent crimes committed in Alabama can be traced to criminal elements crossing
our country’s borders and the failure of current efforts to secure our border.
“Alabamians were shocked to learn of the brutal murder of a little 13-year-old girl in our state last year by
affiliates of the Mexican drug cartel. Tragedy struck South Alabama when a woman riding her bike was
hit and killed by an illegal immigrant who fled the scene, knowing that he’d already been deported twice.
This week, we learned that a criminal alien previously deported for drug crimes illegally reentered the
country – even returning to Alabama where his original crimes were committed – and was charged with
the rape of a minor. Where does it end* When does it end* It ends with a border wall as the backbone of
a serious and effective border-security strategy that protects Alabamians and all Americans.
“I call on Speaker Pelosi and all Members of Congress and the U.S. Senate to stand with the American
people and law enforcement and fully fund the border wall to enable our hardworking U.S Homeland
Security personnel to secure our borders once and for all.”
Attorney General Marshall participated in a White House panel on protecting America’s borders in
August 2018.
–30–
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
