Sen. JD Vance, former President Donald Trump’s potential running mate, visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Cochise County, Arizona. Vance criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies and singled out Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of the issue. He focused on policies implemented by the new administration and promised that a Trump-Vance White House would reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, end “catch and release,” and complete the border wall. Vance also pledged to conduct mass deportations of illegal migrants, a promise in line with Trump’s previous campaign statements.
The visit took place as the number of illegal migrant crossings along the southern border has decreased, with July marking the fifth consecutive month of decline. Despite the drop in numbers, Vance expressed his displeasure with the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to immigration. He argued that the administration was not accurately accounting for all the people arriving at the border, including those who enter through legal ports of entry. Vance accused the administration of engaging in a “shell game” by diverting migrants to ports of entry to lower the count of illegal crossings.
When asked about addressing the root causes of immigration from South American countries, Vance falsely labeled Harris as the “border czar” and claimed she was refusing to do her job. He emphasized the need to boost the economies of Central and South America to deter migration and allow people to build lives in their home countries. Vance also shared a personal anecdote about his family history with addiction and blamed the Biden-Harris administration for the influx of fentanyl into the U.S. He defended the push to complete the border wall, stating that the disruptions caused by law enforcement presence were necessary for a secure border.
In the first four months of 2024, the Border Patrol recorded over 250,000 migrant apprehensions in the Tucson sector, which includes Cochise County. This region had the highest number of apprehensions compared to other areas patrolled by the agency. Vance pointed to his personal experiences and family history as motivation for his stance on immigration policies. He criticized Harris for allowing dangerous substances like fentanyl to enter the country and defended the construction of the border wall despite criticisms of disruption. Vance maintained that the wall was essential for border security and outweighed the negative impacts.
Overall, Vance’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border highlighted his opposition to the Biden administration’s immigration policies and his alignment with past Trump administration approaches. He emphasized the need for tougher border security measures, including deportations and completing the border wall. Despite the decreasing number of illegal crossings, Vance remained critical of the current administration’s handling of the situation and pledged to implement stricter policies if elected. His visit underscored the ongoing debate surrounding immigration and border security in the United States.
