Staff Reports
The state of Texas is gearing up for a significant political shift as the 2024 election approaches, especially regarding border security. Governor Greg Abbott has joined forces with Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), to tackle what they see as a pressing issue for both Texas and the nation. They are not just sitting back and waiting for the new administration to take charge; they are already in motion to secure the border and make it safer for everyone.
A stunning transformation is taking place in Texas politics. In just eight years, certain regions have flipped dramatically from blue to red. Take Maverick County, for instance. In 2016, Hillary Clinton won by a whopping 55.8%. Fast forward to 2024, and Donald Trump turned the tables, winning by 18.5%. That’s a jaw-dropping swing of nearly 76 points—a rarity in American political history. Further south in Starr County, where Clinton previously won with 60.1%, Trump flipped the script, winning by 16%. This radical change has many scratching their heads in disbelief.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick discussed some of the key changes that would occur if the federal government stepped back from its legal actions against Texas’s border security measures. With a border that stretches longer than the distance from Atlanta to Maine, Texas has its work cut out for it. The state has invested over $11 billion in border security over the last four years, deploying National Guard troops and utilizing other resources to maintain some level of safety. The goal? To stop illegal immigration and make Texas a safer place for its residents.
Patrick highlighted proactive measures already being taken, including the installation of border barriers and the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy. This all comes in light of alarming statistics and reports of children being separated from their families, which has gripped the nation with concern. The mention of a young girl lost and carrying a note with a phone number paints a heartbreaking picture of the current crisis.
The cost of illegal immigration has drawn serious scrutiny, with estimates indicating a staggering $166 billion price tag attributable to crime linked to illegal immigrants. The financial and social impacts extend beyond crime, affecting medical costs, education, and overall taxpayer expenses. Advocates believe that restoring stricter immigration policies could save Texas from further crises and tragedies. The call for change is loud and clear among Texas conservatives as they gear up for the upcoming elections, seeking to reinforce a strong sense of community and security.
