The issue of fentanyl pouring into our country has become a major concern, and the connection between this crisis and the policies of the Biden-Harris administration cannot be ignored. JD Vance’s comments about the record levels of fentanyl entering our communities during this administration underscore the broader concerns of many Americans about how border security and drug policy are being handled.

A Drug Crisis with Deadly Consequences

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is incredibly potent — as little as 2 milligrams can be lethal. It has been a major contributor to the opioid epidemic that has devastated families and communities across the nation. With drug overdoses now being the leading cause of death for Americans under 50, it’s crucial that we address how this drug is entering the country and whether current leadership is effectively curbing its spread.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, there has been an alarming surge in fentanyl seizures at the U.S. southern border. Between fiscal years 2020 and 2023, the amount of fentanyl seized at the border skyrocketed by 462%, from 4,800 pounds to approximately 27,000 pounds. This massive increase suggests that Mexican drug cartels are ramping up their production and trafficking of fentanyl, posing an even greater threat to American lives.

Seizures vs. Smuggling: The Real Picture

Some argue that increased seizures are a sign of effective border enforcement, but a deeper look reveals a more troubling picture. Critics contend that rising seizures reflect not just better enforcement but also a dramatic uptick in the quantity of fentanyl being smuggled into the United States. If more fentanyl is being caught, that likely means even more is slipping through the cracks. Border officials can only intercept so much, and as much as 90% of the fentanyl that enters the U.S. evades detection altogether, according to some estimates.

Moreover, the vast majority of fentanyl is being captured at legal ports of entry, hidden in vehicles and commercial shipments. This raises an important question: Are we doing enough to target the cartels and networks responsible for this trafficking? Securing the border goes beyond just stopping individual migrants from crossing illegally between ports of entry. It requires a comprehensive strategy that also addresses the sophisticated drug smuggling operations taking advantage of our porous borders.

Failed Leadership at the Top

The Biden administration, with Vice President Kamala Harris tasked as the “border czar,” has failed to implement strong, consistent policies to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Instead, their approach has been marked by lax border enforcement, an unwillingness to tackle the root causes of the drug trade, and a political agenda that prioritizes open borders over national security.

While we cannot quantify exactly how much fentanyl enters the country because it evades detection, we do know that the situation has gotten worse under this administration. The increase in fentanyl trafficking correlates with the administration’s refusal to enforce border laws effectively. Despite the administration’s talking points, the real-world consequences of its policies are clear: more drugs are entering our communities, more lives are being lost, and families are being destroyed.

Conservatives Must Demand Accountability

As conservatives, we believe in law and order, national security, and the preservation of human dignity. The fentanyl crisis, exacerbated by porous borders and weak policies, is a direct affront to these values. We must demand that our leaders enforce border laws, prioritize the fight against drug trafficking, and take real steps to secure our communities.

The Biden-Harris administration has dropped the ball on one of the most critical issues facing our nation. Their failure to protect our borders has led to an influx of deadly fentanyl, and Americans are paying the price. It’s time for strong, decisive leadership that puts the safety and security of the American people first. We cannot afford to let this crisis continue unchecked.