Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) says any money forfeited by Mexican drug lord El Chapo should be used for border security, including a border wall. (Screen grab from Fox News)

(CNSNews.com) – “Let’s deliver on our promises -- let’s do what we said,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) told Fox News Wednesday night.

“When it comes to the border wall, this is a common sense issue. I represent Texas. We’ve got 1,200 miles of border with Mexico, and we have got to secure the border. We have promised the American people, if you elect us we will do that. I think we need to honor that promise.”



Cruz noted that Democrats “are threatening to shut down the government” to block $1.4 billion for wall construction in the spending bill that is now being negotiated.

“I think that shows how radical they are. I hope and believe this new administration will follow the promise and build the border wall. What I tried to do with this legislation I introduced yesterday was provide a funding stream."

Cruz has introduced a bill that would reserve any money forfeited to the United States Government as a result of the criminal prosecution of drug lord El Chapo “for security measures along the Southern border, including the completion of a border wall.”

Cruz noted that El Chapo is in US custody and is being prosecuted:

“The federal government has initiated civil forfeiture actions. His fortune is estimated at $14 billion. Now, it so happens, coincidentally, that the estimated cost of the wall is between $14 and $20 billion. The legislation I filed yesterday was – it said that any proceeds should be spent building the wall and securing the border.

"And I’ve got to say, that there is a justice in that. These drug cartels are the ones crossing the border with impunity, smuggling drugs, smuggling narcotics, engaged in human trafficking. They’re the ones violating our laws. It is only fitting that their ill-gotten gains fund securing the border.”



Cruz said Democrat opponents of the wall oppose it “because they support illegal immigration.”