She said ending the restriction known as Title 42 could lead to many more people trying to cross the border both legally and illegally.

“Our frontline personnel need significant, additional numbers, people, on the ground at the border. They need more technology. They need access roads and, in some places, they need physical barriers,” Hassan said. “The administration really needs to step up here, develop a plan and get more resources to the southern border.”

Hassan said smugglers are also trying to take advantage of resources that are stretched thin.