State Rep. Kathy Rapp is among dozens of House Republicans calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to send “personnel and resources” to “combat the historic rise in illegal immigration in Texas.”

“The statistics we’re seeing regarding the flood of migrants crossing the southern border are truly astounding,” Rapp said. “We firmly believe Texas and other states have the constitutional right to defend themselves when the federal government has not provided assistance or actually impeded the ability to defend their borders and sovereignty.”

The letter highlights Operation Lone Star, a 2021 initiative implemented by Texas officials to “deter the overwhelming flow of undocumented migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico.”

“While Operation Lone Star should be credited for, in a relatively short span of time, apprehending approximately 500,000 undocumented immigrants and seizing enough Mexican fentanyl to kill the entire population of the United States, additional manpower and resources are urgently needed to stem the tides of unlawful migration, human trafficking, and deadly narcotics trafficking,” the letter states.

“At a time when the Federal government has demonstrated an unmistakable aversion to countering this ever-increasing surge in illegal immigration, we encourage you to honor your commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvania ‘does not leave any state with an oversized responsibility’ in addressing the crisis at our southern border.”

“While we do not doubt that many of the undocumented immigrants entering the United States are merely seeking better lives and opportunities, our country has recently witnessed a number of high profile, violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants who have entered our country with mal-intent.”

The representatives claim that Pennsylvania’s participation in Operation Lone Star “will not only aid in managing the border crisis but also strengthen our state’s reputation as a proactive contributor to addressing major national concerns and enhancing the safety and well-being of our own communities.”

“I also plan to support a concurrent resolution to be introduced soon that affirms state sovereignty and supports Texas in its efforts to defend its southern border,” Rapp said. “The resolution will send a strong message to the Biden administration that the Pennsylvania General Assembly believes in the ability of states to defend their borders when the federal government fails in its obligation to do so, and we will put the safety and security of our citizens first when it comes to enforcing our laws against illegal immigration.”