Border Patrol Union Criticizes VP Harris’ Handling of Illegal Immigration Efforts

Border Patrol Union Criticizes Vice President Harris

In a recent development, the Border Patrol union has voiced its concerns and criticisms regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ handling of illegal immigration. Harris was tasked by President Joe Biden in March 2021 to spearhead a diplomatic effort aimed at curbing migration from Central America. However, the union argues that her initiatives have resulted in little to no progress.

An Assignment Largely Unaddressed

When President Biden assigned Harris with the responsibility of leading the efforts against illegal immigration, the expectation was to see a strategic diplomatic approach targeting the root causes of migration. Initially, Harris engaged in some public-facing work, but these efforts waned within a few months of her assignment. The union has criticized this as a failure to sustain a consistent diplomatic push to resolve the underlying issues that drive migration.

Moreover, the ‘Root Causes Strategy,’ an initiative by Harris to tackle the financial and social issues driving people from Central America, has also come under fire. The union states that this strategy did not lead to any new financial commitments that could effectively address the root causes of migration, making the effort largely inconsequential according to their perspective.

Limited Engagement and No Progress

One of the significant points of contention is Harris’ lack of tangible action in the region. While she engaged with governments, private sectors, and civil societies in Central America, her travel to these areas has been conspicuously absent since January 2022. She has not visited any areas directly impacted by the immigration crisis, such as the southern border or neighboring countries, limiting her engagement and oversight.

The administration has been clear that Harris’ role was never meant to be that of a ‘border czar’, a term they explicitly reject. Her mandate was heavily diplomatic, aimed at bolstering democracy and the rule of law in Central America. However, this has been overshadowed by the record crossings at the border during Biden’s administration, further disappointing the Border Patrol union.

The border has seen unprecedented migrant crossings, and the union expresses disappointment with what they perceive as a lack of substantial progress. According to them, despite Harris’ supposed efforts, there have been no significant changes in the factors pushing people to migrate. This sentiment is strongly felt among Border Patrol agents, who reportedly respond with eye rolls when Harris’ name is mentioned, reflecting their frustration.

In light of these criticisms, it remains to be seen how the administration will address these concerns and whether there will be a renewed focus on the root causes of migration. As the immigration debate continues to heat up, the effectiveness of Harris’ strategies will likely remain a contentious issue. Whether or not the diplomatic approach will yield stronger results in the future is yet to be determined.