FIRST ON FOX: Republican lawmakers are awaiting answers from the Biden administration on action against illegal immigrants who assault Border Patrol agents, as officials report a “significant increase” in assaults.

The lawmakers, led by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Acting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Troy Miller with questions about illegal immigrants who attack officers in an attempt to evade capture.

Illegal immigrant bites Border Patrol agent in the face, amid ‘significant increase’ in attacks on CBP

“In FY23, CBP reported that 610 officers were assaulted, while in FY24, at least 413 officers were assaulted. Although these incidents primarily involve physical assaults, CBP officers also experience a high percentage of assaults by other means, including the use of projectiles. vehicles and firearms,” they say.

Seen from an aerial view, Texas National Guard troops monitor more than 1,000 immigrants who crossed the Rio Grande overnight from Mexico December 18, 2023 in Eagle Pass, Texas. (John Moore/Getty Images)

In August, the Border Patrol in Texas’ El Paso Sector warned that it had recently seen “a significant increase in attacks against Border Patrol agents.”

This was highlighted last month when an illegal immigrant bit a Border Patrol agent in the face after being encountered coming from Mexico.

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: MIGRANTS CUTTING THE FENCE ARRESTED BY THE FED

Even though the attacker in that case was prosecuted, it fueled lawmakers’ concerns that illegal immigrants are not being prosecuted enough. They cite media reports that attacks have become commonplace.

“While this incident was somewhat bizarre in the manner of attack, CBP officers said they experience assaults like this almost every night while on duty, including being rushed by large groups of illegal aliens at the same time, many of whom would punch and kick outnumbered officers,” they say.

Republicans also say the agents’ statements contradict claims that “CBP is working closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to hold these criminal illegal aliens accountable.”

Lawmakers are asking how many illegal immigrants CBP has referred to the Justice Department for assault and how many of them have been charged.

They also ask whether CBP has contacted the DOJ to explain why an illegal immigrant is not charged with assault, and whether the agents themselves are contacted. They also want to know how many illegal immigrants who have assaulted officers have been released into the United States and what types of support it provides to assaulted officers. CBP says it responds to requests from Congress through official channels.

Vice President Kamala Harris tours the U.S.-Mexico border with U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sector Chief John Modlin, right, in Douglas, Arizona, September 27, 2024. (REBECCA NOBLE/AFP via Getty Images)

The letter comes amid increased scrutiny of the southern border and how it has been managed by the Biden administration. This follows a massive influx of illegal immigration that has declined sharply since June, when President Biden signed an order limiting releases into the United States.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The Harris and Trump campaigns argued over who would be the best candidate to address the crisis. The Trump campaign sought to blame the 2021-2024 crisis on Vice President Kamala Harris and her role in the administration, while the Harris campaign attacked former President Donald Trump for rejecting a bipartisan bill on border security presented earlier this year, but it failed. to gain Republican support.

Get the latest updates on the ongoing border crisis from Fox News’ Digital Immigration Center.