Sen. Ted Cruz Demands Visa System Overhaul After Boulder Terror Attack

Sen. Cruz Addresses Boulder Attack on National Television

Sen. Ted Cruz, representing Texas, appeared on 'The Ingraham Angle' to discuss a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by an illegal immigrant from Egypt who entered the United States in 2022. The incident, described as an antisemitic attack, has reignited debates over the state of U.S. immigration and visa policies. Cruz expressed deep concern over the vulnerabilities in the current system that allowed the suspect, identified as Mohamed Sabry Soliman, to remain in the country after overstaying a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa. The senator emphasized the urgent need for reforms to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

During the segment, aired on June 3, Cruz highlighted the suspect's background, noting that Soliman had worked as a healthcare worker and rideshare driver before allegedly targeting a pro-Israel rally with Molotov cocktails and a flamethrower. The attack took place during a 'Run for Their Lives' event, prompting an ongoing FBI investigation into the motives and circumstances surrounding the incident. Cruz pointed out that paperwork linked to USAID was found in the suspect's possession, raising further questions about oversight and vetting processes.

Criticism of Past Border Policies

At around the 2:15 mark of the discussion, Sen. Cruz shifted focus to the broader implications of border security under the previous administration. He criticized the policies during former President Joe Biden's tenure, arguing that lax enforcement and inadequate visa tracking mechanisms contributed to the presence of dangerous individuals within U.S. borders. Cruz stressed that the Boulder attack is a stark reminder of the costs of failing to secure the border and monitor those who enter the country on temporary visas.

The senator underscored that the suspect's ability to overstay his visa without detection or deportation reflects systemic failures that must be addressed. He argued that such incidents endanger American communities and erode public trust in the government's ability to protect its citizens. Cruz called for a reevaluation of how visas are issued and tracked, particularly for individuals from regions with known security risks, to ensure that those who pose a threat are not allowed to remain unchecked.

Call for Immediate Visa System Reforms

Toward the latter part of the interview, near the 5:30 timestamp, Cruz made a passionate plea for changes to the U.S. visa system. He stated, 'We cannot continue to allow our visa policies to be exploited by those who wish to do us harm.' His words reflect a firm stance on tightening regulations to prevent overstays and enhance vetting processes. The senator advocated for stricter enforcement measures, including revoking visas for individuals who violate terms or engage in criminal activities.

Cruz also expressed frustration with political opposition to border security measures, noting that efforts to bring sanity to immigration enforcement often face significant resistance. He urged lawmakers to prioritize public safety over partisan divides, emphasizing that protecting American lives should be a unifying goal. The Boulder attack, in his view, serves as a wake-up call for Congress to act swiftly in reforming a system that has proven vulnerable to exploitation.

Broader Implications for National Security

The discussion also touched on the broader context of national security, with Cruz linking immigration policy to the safety of American citizens. He argued that incidents like the Boulder attack are not isolated but indicative of deeper issues within the immigration framework. The senator reiterated that student visas and green cards are privileges, not rights, and must be managed with rigorous oversight to prevent abuse.

As the segment concluded, Cruz reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for legislative changes that strengthen border security and visa enforcement. He highlighted the importance of learning from tragedies like the one in Boulder to build a safer future for all Americans. While specific details of proposed reforms were not outlined in the interview, his call to action resonated as a demand for accountability and decisive measures from federal authorities.

The Boulder terror attack has brought renewed attention to the challenges of managing immigration in a way that balances openness with security. Sen. Cruz's appearance on 'The Ingraham Angle' underscores the urgency of addressing these issues head-on, ensuring that the U.S. visa system serves as a safeguard rather than a loophole for potential threats.