During the recent House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing for the U.S. Department of Justice, I called for Attorney General Merrick Garland to direct federal resources to regions like southern Oregon where local law enforcement are fighting an alarming issue of drug cartel operations, including illegal marijuana farms, human trafficking (stemming from our southern border), and other crimes.
Following the hearing with Attorney General Garland, I went on Newsmax to continue highlighting the need for federal resources in southern Oregon and discuss the hearing’s proceedings.
Recently, I also hosted a roundtable in Medford with local law enforcement and government officials to discuss the issue of illegal marijuana in southern Oregon. What I learned regarding the almost unbelievable number of illegal marijuana farms and thousands of undocumented people working in inhumane conditions on these farms was extremely alarming. These illegal operations are harming local communities by causing increased crime, water theft, and other dangerous conditions. I appreciate everyone who attended the roundtable and those who will engage with me and my office as we seek to address this serious matter for area residents, farmers, and others. I am again reaching out to Attorney General Garland for help from the FBI and DEA.