U.S. Representative Brian Steil (R-Wis.) shared on social media about his meeting with law enforcement officers to discuss the active operation of cartels in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Steil stated that the lack of enforcement at the border is causing problems across the U.S.
"I joined @SenRonJohnson and law enforcement officers to discuss how a cartel is running illegal operations in Whitewater," said U.S. Rep. Brian Steil (R-Wis.), US Rep from Wisconsin, District 01, according to X.
In a news clip posted by Steil on his social media account, he asserted that the challenges faced by Whitewater are "probably greater," proportionately, than larger cities such as Chicago and New York. He attributed the influx of illegal immigrants into this small Wisconsin town to immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Screenshot of post on X
| https://twitter.com/RepBryanSteil/status/1724173158276587957
According to a report by the Washington Free Beacon, Whitewater, Wisconsin had an estimated population of 15,000 in 2021. The town experienced an influx of approximately 1,000 migrants from the southern border, although locals suggest this number could be higher due to undocumented migrants not being recorded in every police database. Jeffrey Knight, president of the Greater Whitewater Committee, told the Free Beacon that while the community is not concerned with immigration itself, it struggles with a lack of resources. The residents have cared for the migrants as best they can but have expressed difficulties with their school system, hiring new teachers and overwhelmed emergency services on domestic calls. Health providers also find it challenging to treat numerous uninsured patients.
The Free Beacon further reported that Whitewater's influx of migrants remains unexplained; neither being a sanctuary city nor a target for state-driven migration seem to be factors. Residents' speculations vary; some attribute it to what they call a "progressive" stance by the city council while others believe it's due to the town's quiet nature which offers a haven for illegal migrants. With around 8.5 million illegal immigrants entering the country since 2021, towns like Whitewater might experience similar trends in future. The town has incurred significant expenses for hiring ESL teachers in public schools according to an anonymous source. Concerns also arise regarding the well-being of migrant students, with reports of some facing sexual abuse at home.
Furthermore, Whitewater's Police Department has encountered increased challenges such as responding to incidents like recovering an infant discarded in cardboard or discovering a woman and child living in a shed during winter. Fentanyl seizures have increased, suggesting a rise in cartel activity in the area. Law enforcement officials trace funds to drug cartels, indicating that some migrants might engage in day jobs and drug sales at night. Alongside drug issues, the community is also grappling with a housing shortage. Steil told the Free Beacon, "You need to actually enforce our immigration laws. The challenges that Whitewater is facing are ones communities around the country are facing. We can't just address the symptoms, we have to solve it by securing our border."
Steil represents Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District and serves as chairman of the House Administration Committee according to his biography on his website.
