The Justice Department has threatened legal action against the state of Texas, warning that they are prepared to sue over the new immigration law set to go into effect in March. The law, signed by the Texas governor, makes entering Texas illegally a state crime, allowing local law enforcement to arrest migrants and granting local judges the authority to order migrants to leave the United States.
In response to the Justice Department's threat, Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez, a member of the Homeland Security Committee whose district covers a large portion of the US-Mexico border, commented on the potential legal battle. Congressman Gonzalez expressed concerns that such legal battles only benefit lawyers, while the American public continues to grapple with the ongoing border crisis.
The impact of the border crisis extends beyond Texas, with cities like New York City and Chicago already feeling the effects. Congressman Gonzalez warns that other parts of the country, such as Los Angeles, Denver, and Philadelphia, could soon face similar challenges.
Regarding the enforcement of federal immigration laws by state and local police, Congressman Gonzalez prefers to see local law enforcement focused on keeping their communities safe, while allowing federal agencies like Border Patrol to handle immigration matters.
When questioned about the new immigration law signed by the Texas governor, Congressman Gonzalez deflected, emphasizing his role as a Navy cryptologist and his desire for border patrol agents to return to the field, as well as for local law enforcement to continue their community-focused duties.
As the immigration debate heats up, former President Donald Trump, a possible 2024 Republican nominee, has released an ad targeting President Biden's immigration policies. The ad argues that the open border has led to a barrage of issues, including the potential threat of terrorists, fentanyl traffickers, and even a Hamas attack.
In response to the ad, Congressman Gonzalez suggests that the upcoming 2024 election will be filled with various political ads and that politicians will tap into the anger felt by the American people. He points out the real and tangible anger caused by incidents like high-speed chases and school lockdowns resulting from the border crisis.
Congressman Gonzalez believes it is vital for President Biden to address the anger and concerns of the American people by working with Congress on a comprehensive border security and national security package. He warns that without concrete efforts to get the border under control, the situation will only continue to worsen, with the anger and frustration of the American people being further ignited.
