GOP Rep from Texas Discusses Decline in Illegal Border Crossings

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) explained over the weekend that the recent dip in illegal border crossings is due to Mexico's impending elections, rather than any actions taken by President Joe Biden. Gonzales made these remarks during an interview on CBS News’ “Face The Nation” with Margaret Brennan.

Key points from Gonzales’s remarks:

• Mexico’s Elections
  “The numbers are down. The explanation is Mexico,” Gonzales stated, noting that Mexico is holding elections next month for its presidency, nine governorships, and its congress. Politicians running on security platforms are pushing for stricter border measures to appeal to voters.

• Cartel Strategies
  Gonzales likened cartels to companies, suggesting that they are temporarily reducing illegal crossings (taking a loss in the first two quarters) to ramp up activities later in the year. “In many ways, this is just Mexico carrying Biden a couple rounds,” he said.

Context and Criticism of Biden’s Policies:

• High Numbers Under Biden
  Despite the recent decrease, illegal border crossings remain significantly high compared to previous administrations. Gonzales noted, “We’re on pace [this year] for 1.3 million people to come over illegally.”

• Legislative Solutions
  Gonzales urged Biden to engage with the House on immigration solutions, particularly endorsing H.R.2, the Republicans’ proposed solution to the immigration crisis. He emphasized the importance of dialogue with House Republicans, criticizing Biden for only engaging with the Senate.

Additional Context:

• Biden’s Record on Immigration
  The Biden administration has faced criticism for its handling of the border crisis. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there were over 2.3 million encounters with illegal immigrants at the southern border in 2022, the highest annual total on record.

• Political Dynamics in Mexico
  Mexico's upcoming elections are critical, as candidates’ stances on national security and border control could influence migration patterns. The temporary dip in crossings is likely a strategic move to bolster political campaigns in Mexico.

Gonzales’s Call to Action:

• Engagement with the House
  Gonzales emphasized that real solutions to the border crisis require the president to start negotiations with the House. “The president has not had any real conversations with anyone in the House,” he said. “The Senate, yes, they’ve sat down, they’ve had these conversations. But, in the House, they’ve given no oxygen to it. This is a different Congress than in years past. The House is where I believe you start, if you truly wanted to solve it.”

As the border crisis continues to be a pressing issue, the temporary decrease in illegal crossings highlights the complex interplay between U.S. and Mexican politics. Engaging in comprehensive and bipartisan solutions remains critical for addressing the long-term challenges at the border.

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