Illegal immigration has allegedly decreased in Texas, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) is highlighting the states' "stiff resistance" as the reason for it. As President Joe Biden (D) faces a difficult reelection season, Governor Abbott is warning that New Mexico, California, and Arizona are destined to face the brunt of the issue.
Earlier this month, an illegal immigrant accused of raping a thirteen year old in New York City came to the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas in 2021. Because of the high volume of illegal entries, state troopers took over Eagle Pass against the city's wishes.
During an interview with Newsmax, the Texas governor discussed the efforts that the state has undertaken to combat illegal immigration.
The only thing that has slowed illegal crossings is Texas’ stiff resistance.
Joe Biden would have you think otherwise.
Illegal entry into Texas has decreased & gone up in states like CA & AZ. Thanks to our historic efforts like building the border wall & installing razor wire. pic.twitter.com/npZk9Dx671
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 23, 2024
"Let's be clear about what's going on. The aftermath of his executive order a couple of weeks ago, there's been absolutely no slowing down of people coming across the border illegally," Governor Abbott warned. "There's been only one thing that's slowed the crossings on the border and that's the resistance that Texas has put up."
"We're building a wall, we have the National Guard on the border, they are building hundreds of miles of this razor wire barrier that denies illegal entry, and they arrest anybody who does enter illegally. In Texas, we've seen illegal immigration go down 75% while it's gone up in New Mexico, Arizona, and California."
The executive order in question will "temporarily shut down asylum requests" when 2,500 migrants are encountered at official ports of entry. The announcement generated criticism from Republicans, and Democrats also shared their concern, warning that it doesn't address the issue of illegal immigration.
Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D) praised the executive order, but he admitted that Democrats were "late to address" the issue. "I think effectively it will shut the border down until we can get the asylum numbers 10 1,500. Obviously I support people coming to this country if they are escaping persecution, like my family came here after the Holocaust," he said.
