The efforts of Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s office to stop illegal immigration are being defended. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas criticized Texas’s methods while praising Vice President Kamala Harris’s work addressing the root causes of the border crisis. Mayorkas made these remarks at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on Sept. 6. The festival hosts political speakers, newsmakers, and journalists discussing current events. Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, stated that Texas has spent $11 billion on Operation Lone Star, which includes deploying National Guard soldiers and troopers, transporting illegal immigrants to sanctuary cities, installing barriers, and building a border wall. This operation has led to an 85% decrease in illegal border crossings. Mayorkas criticized Abbott’s actions of busing illegal immigrants to other states without notice and Senate Bill 4, which makes crossing into Texas unlawfully a state felony. Mayorkas defended Harris’s efforts to address the root causes of migration by investing in the Northern Triangle countries. He also mentioned a failed bipartisan border bill and tensions between Republicans and Mayorkas. Mayorkas did not discuss the potential for a new wave of illegal immigrants following the resumption of a parole program and Mexico’s assistance for migrants to the U.S. border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded its CBP One app to operate south of Mexico City for migrants seeking appointments at U.S. ports of entry. Mexico has announced offering migrants in its southern regions free bus rides and meals to the U.S.
Rerouting of Migrants at Southern Border Resulting in Decrease in Illegal Crossings
Homeland Security Resumes Parole Program with Enhanced Vetting
Applicants for parole must have a sponsor and purchase their own plane tickets to qualify.
Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), has criticized the mass parole program as unlawful and believes it was implemented to divert attention from the ongoing border crisis.
