Former President Donald J. Trump is returning to the U.S.-Mexico border to promote his hard-line immigration agenda. He plans to deliver remarks in Edinburg, Texas, and will be joined by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has officially endorsed Trump for the 2024 presidential election [30449ac1]. Abbott's endorsement signals Trump's focus on immigration and border security, as Abbott has been a primary point man on the issue since Joe Biden took office. Trump aims to separate himself from his main rivals, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, by highlighting his stance on immigration. The endorsement comes as Trump aims to reclaim his old job and emphasizes winning issues from his 2016 campaign. Abbott has actively addressed the border crisis and brought national media attention to the issue, aligning Trump with an elected official who epitomizes border security [30449ac1].
Trump's immigration proposals include reviving and expanding the travel ban, implementing ideological screening for immigrants, deporting immigrants with jihadist sympathies, invoking the Alien Enemies Act to remove gang members and drug dealers, ending birthright citizenship, building more border wall, and shifting federal law enforcement agents to immigration enforcement. The border has become a focal point of Abbott's agenda, and he is expected to sign a law allowing police officers to arrest migrants suspected of entering the country illegally. Trump's hard-line stance on immigration has garnered support from the GOP base and given him an advantage over President Biden on handling immigration and border security issues [cf57b58c].
Trump's promise to assist Abbott on border security if he is reelected as president further solidifies Abbott's position as the most influential Republican in the state. The endorsement by Abbott aligns Trump with an elected official who epitomizes border security. Trump's focus on immigration and border security is aimed at gaining an early edge in the primary and a potential general election match-up with Biden. Immigration has been proven to be an important issue for Republicans, and Trump hopes to capitalize on this by promising enforcement [30449ac1].
In a recent visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump praised Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his efforts to enhance border security. Trump commended Abbott for not allowing the Biden administration to remove razor wire in a popular corridor for migrants entering the US. He emphasized the need for border security and expressed support for Texas' measures to deter migrants along the US-Mexico border. Trump criticized the Biden administration for weaponizing law enforcement against him and mentioned facing 91 criminal charges. Trump also highlighted his growing support among Hispanics and claimed he was doing well in that voter demographic. He criticized President Joe Biden for ending restrictions implemented during the Trump administration to deter migration. The historic number of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border during Biden's term is a major challenge for his re-election campaign [b5bb3913].
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the state will utilize every tool and strategy available to secure the southern border. Abbott made the statement on February 12, emphasizing that Texas will continue construction of a border wall until President Biden fulfills his constitutional duty. The governor released footage showing part of the wall being erected in Cameron County [631b9f40]. Abbott's commitment to securing the border aligns with his long-standing focus on border security and immigration issues. He has been the Governor of Texas since 2015 and has actively addressed the border crisis, bringing national media attention to the issue. Abbott's efforts have positioned him as an influential Republican figure in the state, and his endorsement of Trump further solidifies their shared stance on immigration and border security [30449ac1].
The tension between federal and state units in Texas remains high as the Biden administration and Texas Governor Greg Abbott continue to clash over immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border. In late January, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to allow the temporary removal of razor wire along the southern border while litigation over the issue proceeds. Texas has continued to use razor wire as a barrier between the Rio Grande River and Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed that the fight 'is not over' and issued a statement declaring Texas' 'right to self-defense.' Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick criticized Biden's policies regarding the border, expressing concerns about allowing Chinese men of military age and people from the Middle East on the terrorist watchlist to enter the country. Patrick mentioned Senate Bill 4, a new law signed by Abbott that would give state and local law enforcement the authority to apprehend and prosecute migrants believed to have entered the U.S. illegally. Biden has signaled that he's open to 'massive changes' in border policy and asked Congress to embrace a bipartisan Senate deal. However, the GOP-led House struck down the bipartisan border security bill in the Senate earlier this month. The $118 billion deal aimed to address key concerns at the southern border, including increasing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention capacity, allocating funds to immigration enforcement, overhauling the asylum system, and allowing the Department of Homeland Security to temporarily shut down the border under certain conditions [09c9efb7].
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers have recovered at least five unaccompanied children among dozens of illegal immigrants in Eagle Pass, Texas. The children, from Honduras and Guatemala, ranged in age from five to 11 and were carrying notes with addresses in either Texas or New York. The recovery comes a day before former President Trump and President Biden are set to make appearances at the southern border. Trump aims to highlight Biden's failures at the border, while Biden's visit is his second since taking office. Eagle Pass has been a flashpoint between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the Biden administration, with Texas taking control of a city-owned park and denying access to federal immigration agents. The area is known for high levels of illegal immigration [f079f6ed].
Steve Munisteri, a senior advisor to Governor Greg Abbott, spoke at the monthly meeting of the Republican Women of Kerr County. He emphasized the importance of party unity to ensure the re-election of both Trump and Texas Senator Ted Cruz in the upcoming elections. Munisteri discussed the national debt, pointing out that the U.S. has a debt greater than 100 percent of its GDP, which will lead to slow growth and inflation. He highlighted the economic success of Texas compared to California and the growing population in Texas. Munisteri also discussed the border policy of the Abbott administration and the challenges faced in securing the border. He urged local Republicans to get involved in the U.S. Senate race and emphasized the importance of voter turnout. Munisteri previously served as chairman of the Republican Party in Texas and as a deputy assistant to the president during Trump's first term [622a132f].
Texas Governor Greg Abbott appeared on Fox News Sunday and claimed credit for the strong U.S. jobs numbers under President Joe Biden. During the interview, anchor Martha MacCallum did not challenge Abbott's claims and instead praised his actions on immigration. Abbott also criticized President Biden's handling of immigration and claimed that illegal immigration into Texas has gone down while the state's economy is growing. MacCallum did not mention Texas' rankings in job growth, economy, and employment. Abbott expressed support for a law that would allow Texas to enforce immigration law and suggested that President Biden should be fired by the American people in the upcoming November elections [3c1bd1d8].
Governor Greg Abbott claims that the US economy is thriving because of the strong performance of the Texas economy. He points to Texas's GDP growth outpacing the national average and the state's contribution of 49,800 jobs in February alone. Abbott also highlights a 72% reduction in illegal immigration in Texas. While economists warn of potential recession indicators in the US economy, Abbott attributes the success to Texas's economic performance. However, it is important to note that Texas's performance is just one piece of the larger economic puzzle [5496894e].
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that U.S. military installations in Texas contributed at least $151.2 billion to the Texas economy in 2023 and supported over 677,022 jobs. The results are based on a study completed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts at the request of the Texas Military Preparedness Commission. The installations are also vibrant and dynamic partners in the community, supporting schools, charities, youth sports, and cultural events. The Comptroller's study analyzed the economic impact of the population and employees directly affiliated with U.S. military installations in Texas, including active duty, visiting, and other military personnel, dependents, civilian employees, and contractors. The Texas Military Preparedness Commission advises the Governor and the Legislature on defense and military issues and aims to preserve, protect, expand, and attract new military missions, assets, and installations in Texas [d6046170].
Migrants at the southern border claim that they have been shot at with pepper ball guns by Texas National Guard members. The pepper ball guns shoot out a chemical meant to irritate people's noses, eyes, and throats. While the state says they aren't supposed to be shot directly at people, some migrants have reported being hit by the balls, which can leave welts and bruises. Immigration advocates argue that using pepper balls is dangerous, while border officials claim it is a response to heightened aggression from migrants. Texas Governor Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star in 2021, sending the Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety to the border to deter unlawful border crossings. The operation has received support from GOP leaders but has also faced opposition from lawmakers who believe Abbott overstepped his powers and that the government has acted inhumanely [2de2a9c8].