On Thursday, President Biden and former President Trump both made their way to the border region, with Biden visiting Brownsville, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. The president had planned to meet with Border Patrol, law enforcement, and local leaders to discuss border security operations and urge the passing of a Senate border bill. However, the National Border Patrol Council, a union representing Border Patrol agents, issued a fiery warning to the president, telling him to "keep our name out of your mouth."
The union, which had previously supported the bipartisan border security agreement, has been openly critical of the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis. In a recent statement, the union called the President's visit "too little, too late," and accused him of only making the trip to save his own presidency. The union also expressed concerns that if Biden were re-elected, he would revert to his open border policies.
According to Fox News Digital, the White House has not yet responded to the union's statement. However, the administration has been pushing for the passing of a bipartisan border bill that would provide additional staffing for Border Patrol and other agencies, funding for cities and states receiving migrants, and limits on asylum. The bill has not progressed, as conservative lawmakers have rejected it, stating that it would only normalize high levels of illegal immigration.
Attention President Biden:
Keep our name out of your mouth today.
— Border Patrol Union - NBPC (@BPUnion) February 29, 2024
Biden's visit to the border comes at a time when illegal immigration has become a top election issue, with polls showing a majority of voters view it as a critical threat to the country. In response, the administration has argued that they are working within a "broken" system and need funding and reforms from Congress. They also point to a record number of removals since May of last year, with over 550,000 in total.
However, Republicans argue that the three-year crisis, which saw a record 2.4 million encounters in FY 24 alone, is the result of Biden-era policies. These policies include increased releases of migrants into the interior and reduced enforcement.
Despite these opposing views, the trip highlights the ongoing debate and controversy surrounding the border crisis and the need for effective solutions. Both Biden and Trump have made border security a priority during their terms, but with different approaches. Biden has focused on addressing root causes and implementing more humane policies, while Trump has prioritized strict enforcement and border wall construction.
As the president meets with officials and stakeholders at the border, the American people will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing crisis. With record numbers of encounters and increasing political pressure, finding a comprehensive and effective solution is crucial. Both sides of the political aisle will need to work together to address the complex issues at the border and provide a secure and humane solution. The outcome of this trip could have significant implications for future border policies and the overall perception of the administration's handling of the crisis. Only time will tell if this visit will bring about positive changes or further fuel the partisan debate on the issue.