Staff Reports
In recent years, Texas has undergone a remarkable political transformation, particularly when it comes to border security issues. From Maverick County, which once leaned heavily Democratic with Hillary Clinton winning by a notable 55.8% in 2016, to Trump’s stunning turnaround in the same county, clinching victory by 18.5% in 2024, the changes are nothing short of astonishing. These shifts are not just localized events; they are indicative of a broader national sentiment regarding border policy and immigration.
In light of these electoral trends, Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Texas’ former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) head Tom Homan are not wasting any time getting to work on solutions to fortify the southern border. With their eyes firmly set on the upcoming January 20th change in leadership, they aim to implement strategies that will make border security a priority—something they argue has been neglected under the current administration. It’s widely believed that with the potential collaboration of key political leaders, Texas could soon be witnessing a substantial crackdown on illegal immigration.
The numbers paint a striking picture of how attitudes toward immigration are shifting in Texas. In 2024, Starr County, which had once voted for Democrats by a significant margin of 60.1%, flipped to a Republican stronghold under Trump’s leadership. This political swing is rare in American politics and raises important questions about the direction of both state and national politics. When voters are seemingly redistributing their allegiances away from Democratic policies, it signals a growing dissatisfaction that can’t be ignored.
One cannot overlook the staggering price tag associated with illegal immigration either. According to investigations, the cost of crime linked to illegal immigrants is estimated to reach a whopping $166 billion. This figure encompasses various societal burdens, including healthcare and education, which are strained by the influx of undocumented immigrants. For many Texas residents, these financial burdens have become too heavy to bear, prompting an urgent demand for change.
A particularly heartbreaking incident highlighted the severe consequences of this border crisis: a photo of a two-year-old child was released, featuring a phone number written on a post-it note in hopes of reconnecting her with her lost parents in America. It’s moments like these that tug at the heartstrings and serve as a stark reminder of the human toll of poorly managed immigration policies. The previous administration under Trump had implemented measures aimed at protecting such vulnerable children, including DNA testing to ensure family reunification, but these have since been rolled back.
As the political landscape evolves, Texans and Americans alike are keeping a close eye on border security plans and the potential impact these changes may have. From National Guardsmen stationed along the border to buoy systems in the Rio Grande River, the focus is on taking back control. With a fresh wave of enthusiasm from Republican leaders and the public stance that “it’s time to secure the border,” a significant shift may be on the horizon. Texas, after all, is not just leading the charge; it’s on the front lines of a national conversation that seeks to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time.
