Joe Biden puts Kamala Harris in charge of stemming flow of migrants at border

President Joe Biden tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the administration’s efforts to stem what he called a ‘serious spike’ in immigration at the border.

The president announced his decision on Wednesday in a meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the situation at the border.

Biden announced he has asked Harris ‘to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern triangle and the countries that are going to need help in stemming’ migration.  

He described her as the most qualified person to lead the effort, pointing to her work as state attorney general of California. It is the first time Biden has put his vice president in charge of a specific issue. 

‘She’s most qualified person to do it to lead our efforts,’ he said. 

President Joe Biden tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to stem ‘serious spike’ in immigration at the border

Biden spoke of ‘serious spikes’ in people heading to southern border even amidst last administration.

‘This new surge we are dealing with now started in the past administration but it is our responsibility’ now to deal with it, he said.  

Harris said there is ‘no question this is a challenging situation,’ spoke of need to enforce laws and also address root causes.

She said she looks forward to engaging in diplomacy with these countries, as well as engaging in private sector.