Border leaders say their communities are regaining ‘normalcy’ ahead of Trump inauguration
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Leaders at the southern border are breathing a sigh of relief as illegal immigration numbers are finally beginning to decrease, bringing a sense of “normalcy” back to their communities. Sheriff Brad Coe of Kinney County, Texas, shared his optimism with Fox News Digital, stating that the chaos and uncertainty that plagued his area during the Biden administration have started to subside.
During the Biden administration, illegal border crossings in Coe’s area skyrocketed to 480,000 in 2022, causing financial losses and a constant sense of danger for residents. The city of Eagle Pass, with a population of just 28,000, became a battleground between Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and federal authorities over the record-level border crossings. Coe described the situation as “total chaos,” with law enforcement officers engaging in an unprecedented number of pursuits.
However, with President-elect Trump set to take office on January 20th, Coe is feeling “very optimistic” about the future. He believes that the new administration will listen to border communities and allow Customs and Border Protection authorities to do their jobs effectively. Coe emphasized the importance of giving Border Patrol agents and ICE agents the full range of authority to address the border crisis effectively.
Mayor Douglas Nicholls of Yuma, Arizona, also shared a sense of relief, noting that the number of migrants crossing in the Yuma area has dropped significantly. He expressed optimism that the new administration will provide the same level of support that was seen during Trump’s first term, which led to significant changes in border security policies.
In Del Rio, Police Chief Frank Ramirez echoed the sentiment of hope and cautious optimism. While the current level of illegal immigration is not as severe as in the past, Del Rio continues to grapple with human smuggling and cartel activity. Ramirez stressed the importance of additional federal funding to support local law enforcement efforts and address recruitment and retention challenges.
Overall, leaders at the southern border are looking forward to a new chapter under the Trump administration, hoping for a more stable and secure environment for their communities. They are eager to work collaboratively with federal authorities to address the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.