Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Arizona border has sparked criticism from local ranchers and politicians alike.
At a Glance
- JD Vance criticized Kamala Harris and the Biden administration’s border security policies.
- Vance linked Harris to illegal crossings, migrant crime, and fentanyl deaths.
- Sheriff Watkins highlighted significant fentanyl seizures in Cochise County.
- Tyler Klump, a local rancher, claims the administration’s policies have harmed his business.
Criticism from Ranchers and Politicians
Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Arizona-Mexico border in Douglas has ignited criticism from local cattle rancher Tyler Klump and other political figures, most notably JD Vance. Klump argues that the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies have worsened illegal immigration, directly impacting his ranching business. Despite new asylum restrictions that have reduced illegal crossings, Klump maintains that smuggling activities remain rampant. Harris aims to showcase her commitment to border security during this visit.
JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, echoed Klump’s concerns during a separate visit to the border. Vance blamed Vice President Harris for illegal crossings, migrant-related crimes, and fentanyl deaths. Accompanied by Cochise County Sheriff Bob Watkins and former border patrol leaders, Vance delivered a scathing critique of the current administration’s border policies. He emphasized the need to reinstate measures such as the “remain in Mexico” policy and Title 42.
Vice President Kamala Harris will visit the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona on Friday as her campaign tries to turn the larger issue of immigration from a liability into a strength.https://t.co/KCKjg1PidB
— Border Report (@BorderReportcom) September 26, 2024
Political and Personal Impacts
Sheriff Bob Watkins highlighted the significant amount of fentanyl seizures in Cochise County. “In 2022, 23.7 percent of all fentanyl seized within the entire country was seized within 20 miles of where you are standing today,” Watkins noted. Vance connected the issue of fentanyl to his personal experiences, mentioning his mother’s battle with addiction as an example of the crisis.
“Tell me, has Kamala Harris done anything you’ve asked her to do? Has your border czar done anything you’ve asked her to do? The answer is no.” stated JD Vance
Vance denounced current border policies and advocated for stronger enforcement measures, citing the frustration of border patrol agents who feel restricted under the Biden administration. He emphasized the stagnant nature of current policies, arguing that people affected by issues like fentanyl should hold Harris accountable. Vance also criticized Harris for what he sees as a lack of concrete action, despite her appointment as “border czar” to address the root causes of immigration from Central America.
Future Directions and Political Promises
Vance and former President Trump have promised to seal the border and enhance federal law enforcement resources. Vance portrayed Harris’ trip as a political maneuver away from the actual crisis, stating that areas could be cleared of immigrants prior to her arrival to avoid negative optics. Local officials supporting Harris, however, criticized Vance and Trump for impeding significant border security legislation.
While Harris emphasizes her background as a prosecutor and her efforts against transnational gangs and drug cartels to defend her border policy, Vance argues these actions have been insufficient for the people on the ground. “It is not hard to secure the southern border. You just have to reimplement some common sense policies,” Vance stated during his visit, advocating for measures such as mass deportation policies.
