The Fight to Secure the U.S. Border

We strive to safeguard our State from the consequenes of an unsecured border through legal action and advocacy meant to uphold the rule of law and protect Louisiana’s interests. Here are our initiatives:

 
Border Patrol Vehicle

Recognizing the Problem

  • The situation at the border continues to deteriorate thanks to the Biden Administration, turning our interstate highways into mainlines for fentanyl, human trafficking, and crime — with children being the most vulnerable victims, facing both exploitation and trafficking. That is why we have repeatedly and consistently urged for action to secure the border.
  • An unsecure border places significant strain on state resources, with a significant impact on crime rates, public safety, and local law enforcement. There is also the significant cost of incarceration at the state level, while the Biden administration pushes for a decrease in arrests, detentions, and deportations of criminal aliens.
  • In one of her first actions as Attorney General, Liz Murrill requested that Governor Jeff Landry issue an executive order that allows the state to gather comprehensive data on the effects of illegal immigration on various aspects of Louisiana, including its economy, public safety, healthcare system, and social services. By collecting and analyzing this data, the LADOJ seeks to better understand the challenges posed by illegal immigration and make policy decisions that effectively address them.

Legal Actions Taken

  • Louisiana led 20 states in petitioning Congress to support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid calls to abolish the agency.
  • We challenged unlawful efforts to bypass the statutory visa process and sought to maintain Title 42 to prevent a surge of illegal aliens at the border.
  • We fought against the Biden Administration’s attempts to unilaterally alter asylum laws and issue directives preventing ICE from arresting aliens convicted of serious crimes, leading to a preliminary injunction.
  • We also joined 25 AGs in urging Congress to pass H.R. 1337, the “Immigration Enforcement Partnership Act of 2023,” to grant state officials power in immigration enforcement.

Liz Murrill at Desk
Border Fence

Did you know?

  • The Biden Administration’s failure to enforce our immigration laws has led to a surge in illegal immigrants, with over 6.2 million encounters along the southern border, costing American taxpayers over $450 billion annually.
  • The illegal immigrant population in the United States has grown to 12.8 million people as of October 2023, with 59% of illegal immigrant households utilizing major welfare programs compared to 39% of U.S. citizens.
  • Congressional reporting estimates that there are at least 3.8 million illegal alien children attending elementary and secondary schools in the U.S., costing American taxpayers nearly $59 billion.
  • Healthcare costs attributed to illegal alien births in the U.S. totaled $2.53 billion, with Medicaid fraud costing the country $8 billion in fiscal year 2022.

Resources at a Glance

We are committed to protect and serve the people of Louisiana

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Our Federalism Division

Learn how the LADOJ is pushing back against Biden’s open border agenda.

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Our Medicaid Fraud Unit

Learn how our office fights Medicaid Fraud across the State.

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Our Criminal Division

Learn more about how we assist with investigations and prosecutions.

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Our Investigation Division

Learn how we investigate cyber crimes and child exploitation.

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Fentanyl & Opioids

Learn more about the history of the crisis with our digital guide.

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Book a Speaker

Learn how you can get a member of the Department of Justice to speak at your event.

Join Us

Make a difference for Louisiana