Chairwoman McClain Joins Angel Families and Law Enforcement in Border Security and Fentanyl Crisis Roundtable

"Our conversation was an important reminder that this issue is not about statistics or headlines. It's about people. It's about families whose lives have been forever changed," Chairwoman McClain said. "We heard today that progress is possible. Stronger enforcement, prevention efforts, recovery programs, and community partnerships are making a difference. That's why we must remain committed to securing our border, supporting law enforcement, strengthening prevention efforts, and ensuring families have the resources they need."

Law enforcement and public safety participants included DHS Senior Advisor Mark Hall, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Mulcahy, St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King, Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten, Chesterfield Township Public Safety Director Brian Bassett, and New Baltimore Police Chief Randy Blackburn. They discussed border security, local enforcement challenges, cartel activity, and the resources needed to keep dangerous drugs out of Michigan communities.

Advocacy, recovery, and health care participants included Nicole Kiprilov of The American Border Story, Patrick Patterson of Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center and Mid-Michigan Recovery Services, Cheryl Heiber of Deckerville Community Hospital, Jack Swan of Fentanyl Fathers, and Terry Almanza of Drug Induced Homicide, Inc. They shared perspectives on the impact fentanyl has on families and the importance of community-based recovery and education efforts.

"Chairwoman Lisa McClain's roundtable brought together the people who understand this crisis best - victim families, recovery leaders, law enforcement on the front lines, and federal partners," Nicole Kiprilov, Founder and Executive Director of The American Border Story, said. "It was a powerful reminder that the border crisis and the fentanyl and illicit drug crisis are deeply interconnected, with devastating repercussions at the most local level, and that real progress is possible when leaders are willing to listen and work together to come up with comprehensive, tangible solutions. The American Border Story is grateful to Chairwoman McClain for ensuring that the voices of victim families remain at the center of this conversation."

The roundtable focused on the local impact of fentanyl trafficking, the role of transnational criminal organizations, and the need to stop deadly drugs before they reach communities. Participants discussed the progress being made through stronger enforcement, prevention efforts, recovery programs, and community partnerships. Chairwoman McClain emphasized the need to support law enforcement, strengthen prevention and recovery efforts, and keep fighting for families affected by fentanyl poisoning.