Last week, President Biden and Donald Trump both made public visits to the U.S.-Mexico border, amid increasing debate around national immigration and border policy.
Dual Trips to the Border
In an unusual turn, current president Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump both made trips to the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday to campaign on the immigration debate that is currently raging throughout the U.S.
Two Towns, Miles Apart
Both politicians visited different border towns in Texas, only 300 miles apart, with Biden speaking at Brownsville and Trump making an appearance at Eagle Pass.
Lead Up to Elections
These visits precede the hotly-anticipated 2024 presidential elections, and while the presidential primaries are not yet over, both Biden and Trump are expected to take center stage in a political rematch that will mirror the 2020 elections.
Immigration at the Center
With more than 4 million illegal border crossings between 2022 and 2023, according to government data, and increasing strain on sanctuary cities like New York and Chicago, immigration is set to be one of the key campaign topics this election.
Trump Blames Biden
During his appearance, Trump made no qualms about pinning the blame for immigration-related problems on Biden and promised attendants that he would “take care of” the immigration problem if he is voted in.
Eagle Pass
It’s worth noting that Eagle Pass has been one of the towns at the center of border disputes, with state authorities erecting razor wire barriers across parts of the border that run through Eagle Pass.
“Pouring Into Out Country”
“They’re pouring into our country and they’re bringing with them tremendous problems,” Trump told the crowd. “We’re going to take care of it.”
“Joe Biden Invasion”
He also referred to the ongoing migrant crisis as a “vicious violation” of U.S. law and a “Joe Biden invasion.”
Meeting With Gov Abbott
During his visit, he met with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican leader who has become a central figure of the illegal immigration debate.
Controversial Strategies
Abbott has been both praised and criticized for his strategies, which most notably included bussing thousands of immigrants to northern sanctuary cities like New York and Denver.
A Bipartisan Approach
In Brownsville, Biden took a more bipartisan approach, imploring Republicans, including his political rival, to agree to a border security deal that would appease both parties and help to ease immigration-related issues.
“Set Politics Aside”
The president asked that Congress members “set politics aside and pass it on merit – not on whether it’s going to benefit one party or benefit the other party.”
“We Work for the American People”
He also took a moment to address Trump directly, telling him to “remember who we work for, for God’s sake. We work for the American people.”
Doing It Together
“Join me or I’ll join you in telling Congress to pass this bipartisan border security bill. We can do it together,” he continued.
“It’s the toughest most efficient, most effective border security bill the country has ever seen. So instead of playing politics with the issue, why don’t we just get together and get it done?”
A Compromise Bill
Biden referred to the border security bill as a “compromise bill” put together by senators from both parties, one he described as having some of the “toughest set of border security reforms” ever seen in U.S. law.
Head of Homeland Security
Alejandro Mayorkas, the head of Homeland Security, accompanied Biden. Like the president, Mayorkas has found himself the target of anger and criticism due to his approach to immigration.
Historic Impeachment
In early February, Mayorkas was impeached for his perceived failure to halt or slow down mass immigration. He is the first US cabinet member to be impeached on these grounds.
A Working Trip Only
Mayorkas made it clear that their visit was a working trip and was not purposefully orchestrated to go toe-to-toe with Trump.
“This visit is focused on the work that we do, not the rhetoric of others,” he said.“The fact of the matter is that the only enduring solution is legislation. Congress needs to act.”
Compromise is Needed
Finding an effective compromise on immigration and border policy is not just needed to address the thousands of immigrants flooding through the southern border or the sanctuary cities that are feeling the strain on their public resources, but for Biden’s own political wellbeing.
30% Approval
According to recent polling by CNN, only 30% of Americans approve of his administration’s approach to the border and immigration.
The amount of Americans who now favor mass deportation is at 31%, twice what it was back in 2019 based on similar polls.
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