In a recent statement obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital, conservative former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have thrown their support behind Speaker Mike Johnson's assertive stance on border security. Former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan, former acting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Mark Morgan, and former acting deputy Homeland Security Chief of Staff Lora Ries emphasize the urgent need for "clear resolve" among Republicans in addressing the ongoing border crisis.

Highlighting the detrimental impact of "weaponized mass illegal immigration" on the economy, national security, and public safety, the former DHS officials commend House conservatives for their efforts to confront the issue. They specifically reference the passage of H.R. 2, also known as the Secure the Border Act, which has yet to progress in the Senate.

Tom Homan and Mark Morgan currently serve as visiting fellows at the Heritage Foundation, while Lora Ries directs the organization's Border Security and Immigration Center. This group forms part of a coalition advocating for the inclusion of H.R. 2 in any supplemental spending agreement being negotiated in Congress.

As the negotiations between lawmakers and the administration continue, President Biden's request for $14 billion in border funding as part of a larger $100 billion-plus package remains a point of contention. The funds would be allocated towards increased staffing at the border, aid to communities housing migrants, and removal flights. Senate Republicans have put forth their own proposals, focusing on stricter limits on asylum and humanitarian parole. Conversely, many House Republicans insist on the inclusion of H.R. 2 in its entirety.

During his congressional delegation visit to the southern border, Speaker Johnson firmly stated that H.R. 2 is a necessary component in any supplemental spending bill aimed at national security. He urged President Biden to prioritize defending America's national security if he expects bipartisan support.

The former DHS officials echo Speaker Johnson's sentiments, viewing H.R. 2 and the initiation of impeachment hearings against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, as "imperatives demanded by Americans across the country." They express confidence in Speaker Johnson's dedication to H.R. 2 and call on lawmakers to bring their first-hand experiences from the border to Washington with a resolute commitment during spending negotiations.

However, Democrats in the Senate have dismissed H.R. 2 and similar proposals, rendering them non-starters. Even reported concessions by the Biden administration, such as establishing a Title 42-style removal authority, have been met with resistance from liberal Democrats.

The Biden administration, in turn, has placed partial blame on Republicans for the lack of agreement on the funding request. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates criticized Speaker Johnson for obstructing President Biden's efforts to address the border crisis comprehensively. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused House Republicans of engaging in political games and stunts.

Despite the ongoing disagreements, both sides indicate that negotiations are progressing. A senior administration official expressed optimism about the progress made during negotiations with the Senate and acknowledged that although an agreement has not yet been reached, they believe they are moving in the right direction.

Dismissing these negotiations, the former officials assert that lawmakers on the left demonstrate no real intention of resolving the unprecedented surge of illegal immigration. They place the decision between a secure border and the chaos of unlimited illegal immigration squarely on the White House and their allies in the Senate, emphasizing that the American people are closely watching.

As the supplemental spending agreement negotiations remain unresolved, the support of key conservative DHS officials for Speaker Johnson's push for strong border security adds another layer of complexity. The inclusion of H.R. 2 in the agreement remains a critical point of contention, with lawmakers on both sides seeking to address the escalating border crisis while navigating ideological differences.