IDAHO — Idaho legislators have communicated their concerns to President Biden and Vice President Harris on the influx of illegal drugs entering Idaho and the failure of the White House to protect Idaho citizens.
According to a letter sent by Idaho Senators James E. Risch and Mike Crapo and State Representatives Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson to the White House on Oct. 10, it is alleged that Idaho communities have experienced a spike in fentanyl in the state originating from the southern border.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), fentanyl kills over 200 American citizens ages 18 to 45 every day. In 2023, 197 people from Idaho died from a fentanyl overdose, a significant spike compared to 2017, when only 13 people died.
“Idaho is combatting a crisis created by an administration that chose to prioritize illegal immigrants and political agendas over the safety and security of American citizens,” said the letter.
According to the Legislators, Idaho has established statewide programs to combat the influx of the deadly drug through education and its fentanyl awareness campaign, “Fentanyl Takes All.” The Republican politicians shared their view on the lack of protection the White House has given Idaho’s children against the dangers of illegal immigration and opioid drugs throughout the last four years.
Idaho has established stricter laws regarding different kinds of drugs compared to surrounding states, thus the emphasized concern of the influx of illegal drugs in Idaho.
Fentanyl has not only affected communities and homes by ending lives but also the destruction of families. According to American Addiction Centers, drug addiction can cause addictive, compulsive and abusive behaviors, affecting both parents and children.
Questions such as “what is the Department of Homeland Security’s comprehensive plan to track and monitor the flow of fentanyl trafficked across the border into states like Idaho?” were asked at the end of the letter.
“Enough is enough. The administration’s failure to address this national crisis is not only negligent but dangerous,” said the legislators.
