Mansfield Times

State Representative Melanie Miller, along with Ashland Mayor Matt Miller and incoming Ashland County Sheriff Kurt Schneider, visited the southern U.S. border in Cochise County, Arizona. The delegation aimed to understand the impact of federal policies on illegal immigration.

The group met with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and local law enforcement officials. "This tour was an eye-opening experience," said Rep. Miller. She emphasized that while many stories about the border are reported in the news, witnessing the situation firsthand provides a clearer understanding of the crisis caused by federal border policies.

During their visit, they received a briefing on cartel activities at the border and efforts to combat human and drug smuggling. They also met with local leaders and joined patrols with the border enforcement team.

Rep. Miller highlighted the severity of human trafficking after observing how easily cartels smuggle people across the border. "Seeing firsthand how easily cartels smuggle people across the border really drives home the severity of the human trafficking crisis," she stated. She stressed that action is needed not only at the border but also in Ohio to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.