Former President Donald Trump pledged to hire an additional 10,000 Border Patrol agents and provide them with a $10,000 retention and signing bonus at a rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The National Border Patrol Council endorsed Trump, who has made illegal immigration the focus of his campaign. Trump blamed Vice President Kamala Harris for a spike in unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border and vowed to conduct the largest deportation operation in American history if re-elected. He previously derailed a bipartisan bill that included funding for more border personnel, stating that he did not want to give Democrats a victory on his key issue.
Trump has consistently criticized Harris as the “border czar,” despite her never holding that title. President Joe Biden tasked Harris with studying the root causes of migration from Central America. The union president, Paul Perez, warned that if Harris won the election, every city and community in the country would suffer. Harris’ campaign spokesperson pointed out Trump’s actions against the border bill and his unfulfilled promise that Mexico would pay for the border wall, which was ultimately funded by the U.S. government. Trump has promised to complete the border wall if re-elected and highlights low numbers of border crossings during his term compared to Biden’s first years in office.
During his term, Trump’s administration struggled with illegal crossings before the COVID-19 pandemic led to international border closures. Border Patrol agents separated immigrant children from their parents as part of the administration’s enforcement programs targeting illegal immigration. Trump praised Border Patrol agents for their work and criticized Biden and Harris for neglecting the border. He highlighted his administration’s enforcement efforts and lower numbers of border crossings compared to the current administration.
The White House reported that the earlier bipartisan bill would have funded 1,500 personnel at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, including the Border Patrol. Trump described the legislation as a “horrible bill” and did not want to give Democrats a political victory on his key issue. He has vowed to take a strong stance on illegal immigration and plans to complete the border wall if re-elected. Trump’s rally in Arizona emphasized his commitment to border security and the need for additional resources and support for Border Patrol agents.
Trump’s supporters have backed his promises to strengthen border security and address illegal immigration issues. Despite criticism and backlash from opponents, Trump remains focused on his goals of increasing Border Patrol personnel, providing higher pay and bonuses, and completing the border wall. The endorsement from the National Border Patrol Council further solidifies Trump’s stance on border security and immigration policies. As the debate over immigration continues to be a key issue in American politics, Trump’s rally and proposals for additional resources for Border Patrol agents have sparked both support and controversy among the public and political figures.
