CNN's Brianna Keilar hailed as she debunks Josh Brecheen's claim that Biden has power to shut down border

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: CNN anchor Brianna Keilar challenged GOP Representative Josh Brecheen's assertion regarding President Joe Biden's authority to close the southern border, firmly stating, "You are just wrong."

Keilar pressed Brecheen to articulate his concerns about the bipartisan Senate border deal that emerged after extensive negotiations, legislation that received endorsement from the Border Patrol union.

Brianna Keilar fact-checks GOP on President's border authority as netizens applaud

On an X/Twitter post, Keilar pointed out, "A fact check on whether a president already has the authority to shut down the border under a 1952 law. They don’t, despite what Republicans like Rep Brecheen say, even as they oppose the Senate bipartisan compromise that would grant it."

Under the same post, several took to its comment section, agreeing to Keilar's comments, "Thank you for holding this guy, with his little Hitler mustache, accountable and not letting him get away with more disinformation. They have a bill they can sign, and they refuse because they know the border is the only issue they have to run on besides tax cuts for the rich".

Others chimed in saying, "YOU ARE SAVAGE YES."

"Rep Brecheen pretends not to understand what you are saying @brikeilarcnn but he is one of the group of Republicans that reject the best border deal ever for the sole reason that Trump orders them to so he can use this for a campaign issue."

"I’ve never watched you, but I’m impressed that you persisted in citing facts when faced with erroneous statements . Good job!"

"This is journalism. Love the back and forth," another user said. 

"That was masterful and professional. Keep at it Brianna!"

One follower even tagged her as, "Queen!"

Brianna Keilar rebuts lawmaker on border solutions, cites legislative nuances

Josh Brecheen, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, asserted that the solution to closing the US-Mexico border has long been available within existing laws, but the current administration has failed to enforce them.

As per The Hill, He cited, “The real solution is, it’s already been on the books for decades, and they refuse to enforce it. 2017 it was being enforced. You had the lowest number of illegal immigration in our nation’s history, 40 years. And yet what’s the difference between 2017 and to date? The difference is an administration that chooses to be lawless, and Republicans go ahead.”

Keilar countered Brecheen's argument by pointing out that the law he referenced, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, also includes provisions allowing individuals to seek asylum at the border, even if they enter US territory without authorization. She emphasized that if Brecheen is citing this particular law, he should be aware that the Senate bill under discussion would alter it.

Keilar explained that the proposed legislation would grant the president the authority to enact the measures Brecheen mentioned.

She further highlighted, saying, "It would give the president the ability to do exactly what you were citing, the part of the bill that you’re citing, because in November of 2018, when former President Trump tried to use that very bill that you’re talking about to curb illegal migrant crossings, he was prevented from doing so by a federal court because it violated the very law that he was trying to use. The law that you were saying is on the books.”

Josh Brecheen defended border stance citing Joe Biden's actions

Brecheen defended his position by asserting that President Joe Biden had previously utilized the law in question on day five of his presidency concerning travelers from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

He said, "The law that’s on the books. President Biden on day five utilized it when it came to Brazil, South America, South Africa, excuse me, and the United Kingdom. He utilized that, that provision of law."

However, Keilar continued to push back against Brecheen's assertion, indicating further disagreement with his interpretation of the law.

Keilar countered Brecheen's assertion by stating, "It can't apply to asylum, congressman." Meanwhile, the bipartisan border deal, which was finalized in text, encountered significant obstacles in the Senate.

Senate Republicans opted not to bring the bill to the floor, with over half of the GOP conference expressing opposition to the legislation despite months of effort invested in its crafting.