Trump’s border success proved he was right all along on Biden border bill
The rapid reduction of illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border has raised questions about a key Democratic talking point during the 2024 campaign. Party leaders had blamed former President Donald Trump for obstructing bipartisan border legislation that they argued was essential for securing the border.
Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Border Security and Immigration Center, stated that President Trump’s swift and successful border security measures debunked President Biden’s claim that he needed the Senate’s border insecurity bill to address the issue. Ries argued that Biden’s assertion was merely an attempt to consolidate power and maintain an open border policy.
Recent data has shown a significant improvement in the situation at the southern border, with single-day border apprehensions reaching a 15-year low. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported encountering only 200 individuals at the border on February 22, showcasing the effectiveness of Trump’s policies in reducing illegal crossings.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson emphasized that Trump’s administration has sent a clear message to illegal aliens, warning them not to attempt to enter the country unlawfully. The DHS stated that those who manage to enter illegally will be pursued and deported.
Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks revealed that southern border crossings have declined by 94% compared to the previous year, attributing this progress to the Trump administration’s robust enforcement efforts. Despite these positive outcomes, Democrats had spent the 2024 campaign blaming Trump for impeding a bipartisan border bill that they claimed was crucial for addressing the crisis.
President Biden and other Democratic leaders accused Trump and his Republican allies of thwarting the legislation that could have resolved the border situation. They argued that the bill would have facilitated the hiring of more Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, and judges, ultimately leading to a more effective immigration system.
However, Ries contended that Trump’s executive actions were instrumental in reducing illegal crossings and that Democrats had an alternative legislative option in the form of the Secure the Border Act, which had already passed the Republican-controlled House. She criticized the Senate for failing to pass the bill, which could have provided additional resources for border security.
As the blame game between Democrats and Republicans continues, it is evident that Trump’s policies have made a significant impact on border security. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of effective border enforcement measures and the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing the challenges at the southern border.
