Texas Congressman Chip Roy has formally requested that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas preserve all records related to the border crisis spanning the last four years. This request comes as the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office and address the ongoing challenges at the southern border.

In a letter addressed to Secretary Mayorkas, Rep. Roy emphasized the importance of preserving information related to the border crisis, citing record-high illegal crossings, the release of migrants into the U.S. interior, and the presence of criminals within these groups. He stressed the necessity of this information for the incoming administration to effectively address the situation and reverse the perceived damage.

Rep. Roy expressed frustration with the DHS's responsiveness to past information requests, claiming delayed and insufficient responses. He specifically requested the preservation of all documents, communications, and electronic information related to border security and immigration policies under the Biden-Harris administration, covering the period from January 20, 2021, to the present.

A DHS spokesperson responded by stating that the department will continue to respond to congressional correspondence through official channels and remains committed to adhering to federal record retention laws.

This request signals a shift in border security and immigration policy as the Trump administration prepares to implement its own approach. While the Biden administration has recently adopted stricter border measures, including a presidential proclamation limiting asylum, the incoming administration and Republican Congress are expected to introduce significant changes to immigration and border security procedures.

Rep. Roy's letter specifically requests data on the number of migrants released with court dates, their origins, locations, and similar information for those released under humanitarian parole or temporary protected status. The request also includes information regarding the use of the CBP One app, migrants who cannot be contacted, those released with criminal records, gang affiliations, and those granted temporary protected status.

Further information sought includes data on visa overstays, suspected visa fraud, countries refusing to repatriate their citizens, Chinese nationals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party released into the U.S., organizations receiving DHS grants for migrant care, and the number of worksite enforcement investigations conducted by ICE.

This action underscores the continued focus on immigration as a major political issue, likely to remain a priority for both Congress and the incoming administration in 2025. With the appointment of former ICE Director Thomas Homan as border czar and the nomination of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary, the incoming Trump administration is expected to pursue further legislative action on immigration and border security, potentially building upon the House-passed HR 2 border bill.