House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is taking a strong stance against what he calls "burglary tourism," threatening to withhold funding for a visa program that he links to a rise in organized crime from Chilean gangs targeting U.S. homes.
In a California press conference, McCarthy urged Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to suspend the Visa Waiver Program for Chile. He asserted that this program has facilitated a surge in thefts, with stolen goods being laundered through China and profits returning to South America. McCarthy highlighted that Chile, unlike other countries in the program, doesn't conduct criminal background checks on individuals traveling to the U.S.
He pointed to a concerning trend of sophisticated home invasions, where criminals employ tactics like cellphone jamming and Wi-Fi disruption to disable security systems. These organized groups, often wearing uniforms or camouflage, typically target second-story entry points and safes.
McCarthy expressed gratitude to Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer for briefing lawmakers on the situation and criticized Mayorkas for allegedly neglecting the issue. He emphasized the profound impact of home burglaries, stating that victims lose not only possessions but also their sense of security.
The Speaker pledged to include a provision in upcoming appropriations bills to block funding for the Chilean visa waiver program until the issue is resolved, citing Mayorkas' inaction. He stressed the bipartisan nature of the concern for American safety.
Fox News reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a response but hadn't received one at the time of reporting. This issue has drawn bipartisan ire, particularly from California's congressional delegation. Last week, California Democrats Lou Correa and Mike Levin wrote to the Chilean Ambassador expressing concerns about the alleged misuse of the Visa Waiver Program and potential financial losses of up to $1.2 million by businesses.
They urged Chile to meet the program's requirements, warning of potential suspension or termination from the program if these concerns weren't addressed.
McCarthy stated he hadn't directly discussed the matter with Mayorkas but expects it to be a key topic during Mayorkas' hearing before the House Judiciary Committee next month. He affirmed his commitment to taking action if Mayorkas doesn't address the problem.
