President Donald Trump (R) issued some executive orders meant to strengthen the southern border and designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Republicans have rallied strong support behind the immigration executive orders, deeming them as necessary steps toward restoring order and protecting American lives.
The executive orders include the "Remain in Mexico" policy, declaring a national emergency at the southern border, and formally labeling drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
With the orders, the Trump Administration looks to disrupt cartel operations, reduce human trafficking, and stem the flow of deadly fentanyl into the United States.
In an exclusive interview with Texas Politics, Texas Rep. Ronny Jackson (R) praised the president's effort, calling the actions necessary to address the crisis at the border.
“Texas Republicans are tired of the open border, so I think they’re going to applaud what Trump is doing,” Rep. Jackson commented. Drawing a connection to Israel’s defense measures, the Texas congressman added, “If we were getting rockets from across the southern border... how many rockets do you think Texas would allow before we were across the border and down to Mexico? If the Mexican government won’t go after the drug cartels... I say let’s go get them.”
Texas Rep. Randy Weber (R) also spoke to Texas Politics, sharing support for the executive orders.
“I’m all in, man,” he said, adding “anything [President Trump] wants to do on the border, he can do it, and I’ll be a huge supporter of it.”
Rep. Weber emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach, suggesting the use of drones and strikes on cartel supply chains and labs, as well as advising the Mexican military.
The executive orders are no surprise as President Trump has remained firm in his hardline stance on immigration policies. The incumbent administration has vowed to signal a renewed focus on border security as a national priority.
Those who’ve pushed back against the president argue that the measures could strain U.S.-Mexico relations. However, supporters believe that a more aggressive approach is crucial to addressing pressing concerns at the border.
