Officials from North Dakota speak out on the increasing risks brought by the escalating illegal immigration along the northern border.

On Wednesday, officials from North Dakota spoke out about the border crisis, emphasizing the impact of crime, drugs, and homelessness on northern border communities as migrant crossings increase.

Rebecca Davis, the Executive Director of the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce, stated on "Fox & Friends First" Wednesday that illegal immigrants are crossing into farmers' fields and destroying crops. The lack of border staffing means that residents must call the police when they witness such incidents, which takes police resources away from small towns.

According to Planet Chronicle reporting, since 2019, North Dakota has experienced a 7% increase in violent crime, a 29% increase in homelessness, and a 75% increase in drug overdose deaths.

The reduced staffing hours at the Walhalla Port of Entry have affected trade and travel with Canada, compelling individuals to travel 39 miles to the nearest 24-hour port of entry.

On Wednesday, at the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement hearing titled "The Biden Border Crisis: North Dakota Perspectives," four witnesses testified, including Davis.

The inadequate number of border staff and reduced hours have resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, with migrant families being found dead and being told that it is easier to cross the northern border than the southern one, according to her testimony to Republican lawmakers.

Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., stated that the border crisis is not a partisan problem but an "American issue," and the focus should be on policy solutions.

At the hearing, Kelly stated that the American people must comprehend that they are losing the greatest nation in history, and it is almost happening under our watch.

The Biden administration's refusal to shut down the border has resulted in negative law enforcement impacts in North Dakota, according to Attorney General Drew Wrigley.

"Our communities are in danger," Wrigley said.

The attorney general and Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner cautioned that the state is increasingly being targeted for drug trafficking from Mexico, particularly fentanyl.

Jails in Jahner's county are overcrowded and overcapacity due to addiction, mental health, and homelessness. He stated that his county's proximity to two major highways makes narcotic trafficking easily accessible and tempting to his community.

He stated that it is necessary to either close the borders or establish a comprehensive policy that prioritizes the well-being of our country's citizens.

Border Patrol informed Jahner that they lacked the necessary resources to assist law enforcement with illegal crossings when he sought their help in the past.

The sheriff of Renville County, situated on the U.S.-Canada border, expressed concern that the lack of resources is leaving the border vulnerable to potential national security threats as unvetted migrants enter the U.S.

Due to the border crossings, law enforcement officers are receiving calls about deceased individuals, high-speed chases, property damage, and humanitarian rescues.

In March, 22 House Republicans wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressing their "serious concern" over the "unprecedented surge in apprehensions" occurring along the northern border, which they attributed to an "orchestrated" crisis by the Biden administration.

In the first four months of the 2024 fiscal year, through January 2024, the Border Patrol has already apprehended 4,772 subjects along the northern border, according to Rep. Kelly's office.

In November, Kelly testified before the House Judiciary Committee about the alarming number of suspects on the terror watchlist crossing into the United States along the northern border, as reported by U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

Planet Chronicle' Danielle Wallace and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.