Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert has once again found herself at the center of a debate, this time concerning a tweet she wrote that betrayed her understanding of mathematics and data analytics.
The tweet in question focused on Title 42, a pandemic-related public health measure implemented during the Trump era to restrict the entry of migrants at the Mexican border. As the measure expired on May 11, concerns arose regarding a potential surge in attempted border crossings into the United States.
Boebert has been vocal about this issue for months, warning that the end of Title 42 would lead to an unprecedented influx of undocumented immigrants. However, following the expiration of Title 42, CNN reported a surprising finding. Contrary to expectations, there was a significant drop in the number of migrant encounters at the border.
American authorities reported a 50 percent decrease in encounters compared to the previous days, prior to the policy's termination. CNN even provided a graphic to illustrate these numbers, albeit in reverse chronological order.
This report seemed to perplex Boebert, who took to Twitter to share her confusion. She posted an image of CNN's graphic, accompanied by the following comment:
‘Still no surge’ says CNN as they show a surge on their graphic. How stupid do they think the American people are?”
You can see Boebert's tweet below.
\u201c\u201cStill no surge\u201d says CNN as they show a surge on their graphic. \n\nHow stupid do they think the American people are?\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
Boebert's tweet was met with a mixture of bewilderment and exasperation from many observers.
Some wondered whether she had misunderstood the data or simply failed to explain her point clearly.
\u201c@laurenboebert They thought people would see that the number of people apprehended got smaller as the week progressed.\n\nSame numbers, but the days of the week are in the right order.\n\nWhen the numbers get smaller, that's the opposite of a surge.\n\nI hope this helps.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
\u201c@laurenboebert I know you only have a GED, but when a number gets less as time goes on, that does not indicate a surge. It's actually the opposite.\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
\u201c@laurenboebert Maybe your weeks start on Saturday and work backwards towards Tuesday? That would explain an awful lot actually! But see for the rest of us it goes Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and then Saturday. The days on the bottom happened before the days on the top. So what this\u2026\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
\u201c@laurenboebert Lauren Boebert surprised to discover that Friday comes after Thursday\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
\u201c@laurenboebert LOL she's reading the graphic in reverse order!\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
\u201c@laurenboebert Lauren Boebert doesn't understand how the days of the week work\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
\u201c@laurenboebert I think they can read the days of the week in order. Can you?\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
Despite the backlash, Boebert chose not to delete the tweet and instead decided to double down on her stance, claiming:
"The graphic shows 40,000+ people invading our country in a matter of days. If that's not a surge to you, then what is?"
You can see Boebert's response below.
\u201c@jamesseodesk The graphic shows 40,000+ people invading our country in a matter of days.\n\nIf that\u2019s not a surge to you, then what is?\u201d— Lauren Boebert (@Lauren Boebert) 1684177566
It is important to acknowledge that the factors influencing fluctuations in migrant numbers are multifaceted.
The previous implementation of Title 42, which expelled border crossers to Mexico without allowing them to seek asylum, often resulted in repeated attempts. The end of this policy now means harsher consequences for those crossing illegally, including potential deportation and a five-year ban from entering the United States for individuals who do not qualify for asylum.
These complex circumstances might explain the slight increase in numbers leading up to May 11. However, Boebert's tweets failed to provide clear context or a coherent argument, leaving room for speculation about her intentions and understanding of the situation.
