House Republicans have passed a resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of the U.S. border with Mexico. The resolution, while symbolic, mirrors attacks made by former President Donald Trump against Harris. President Joe Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of migration early in his administration, with border crossings becoming a major political issue. Since June, arrests for illegal crossings have fallen after significant restrictions on asylum applications were announced by Biden.
The White House press secretary stated that migrant encounters between ports of entry have dropped by over 55%, lower than the end of Trump’s term. However, Republicans argue that Harris did not take adequate action to address illegal immigration in her role as the “border czar.” House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Harris’s inaction for resulting in record high illegal crossings, overwhelmed communities, and a breakdown of the rule of law. Trump’s anti-immigration rhetoric remains a central focus of his campaign, with pledges to deport millions if re-elected.
The House vote highlighted cracks in Democratic confidence in Harris, with six Democrats in battleground districts voting for the resolution. These Democrats had been critical of Biden’s border policies previously and emphasized the need for elected officials who understand and address the border crisis. While some Democrats defended Harris’s efforts, others pointed to the need for stronger policies and relationships with Northern Triangle countries to address migration issues.
Harris was tasked with overseeing diplomatic efforts with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to address the root causes of migration from those countries. Despite criticism from Republicans, most House Democrats defended Harris’s work in developing agreements to bring investments to these nations. Democrats highlighted rejected deals with Senate GOP leadership and potential strengths in Harris’s relationship with Mexico’s president-elect and past experience as a prosecutor. The resolution labeling her as the “border czar” was deemed fake and fraudulent by Democratic leaders.
Overall, the border remains a contentious and politically charged issue, with Republicans focusing on Harris’s perceived failures in addressing illegal immigration. Democrats continue to support Harris’s efforts in tackling the root causes of migration and building diplomatic relationships with key countries. The resolution passed by House Republicans serves as a reflection of ongoing debates and divisions over immigration policies and border security in the United States.
