Chad F. Wolf Applauds Suspension of Live Animal Imports Through Southern Border

Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Chad F. Wolf, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, and Chair of Homeland Security and Immigration Policy regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its recent suspension of live cattle, horse, and bison imports through the southern border:

“Secretary Rollins’ recent decision to suspend live cattle, horse, and bison imports from Mexico is a prudent and necessary step towards protecting America’s livestock industry and securing our southern border from a devastating pest: the New World Screwworm (NWS). This pest is not just a threat to livestock—it is a national security concern with respect to our food supply. The last time this pest invaded America, it took 30 years for our livestock sector to recover.

The United States has acted in good faith to work with Mexico and contain the rapid northward spread of NWS in Mexico. Unfortunately, the Mexican government has undermined those efforts— limiting intervention actions needed to fight NWS. These actions put American ranchers, farmers, and taxpayers at risk.

The United States cannot afford to rely on partners unwilling to act with urgency. We fully support Secretary Rollins’ swift response and urge continued enforcement—and escalation, if necessary—until increased surveillance and eradication efforts yield more positive results.”