Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a significant trip to Douglas, Arizona, on Friday, where she will be making her first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee. This visit comes at a crucial time as Harris is set to deliver remarks calling for tougher border security measures as part of her efforts to address the ongoing border issues. According to a senior campaign official, Harris will emphasize the importance of American sovereignty and the need to establish and enforce rules at the border, while also highlighting the necessity of providing Border Patrol agents with more resources to effectively carry out their duties.
One of the key focal points of Harris’s remarks will be combating the flow of fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid that has been contributing to the opioid crisis in the United States. Harris will refer to this issue as a “top priority” for her presidency and will propose the addition of fentanyl detection machines at ports of entry along the border. Additionally, she will call on the Chinese government to crack down on companies that manufacture the precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, in an effort to address the root causes of this devastating problem.
While Harris will emphasize the importance of border security and the need for additional resources, she will also advocate for an immigration system that is characterized by safety, order, and humanity. Campaign officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, have indicated that Harris will promote an immigration system that is not only secure but also treats individuals with dignity and respect.
As Harris prepares to make her case on the border, the Biden administration is reportedly moving to solidify the asylum restrictions that were put in place at the southern border earlier this year. The planned amended proclamation is expected to make it less likely for these restrictions to be lifted in the near future, as officials credit these measures for a significant decrease in illegal border crossings in recent months.
Harris’s decision to visit the border as the Democratic nominee comes at a time when the issue of border security is at the forefront of national discussions. A recent CBS News poll revealed that 58% of likely voters consider the U.S.-Mexico border to be a major factor in deciding who they will vote for in upcoming elections. Additionally, 53% of likely voters expressed support for former President Donald Trump’s proposal to launch a national program aimed at locating and deporting all immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.
Trump and Republicans have consistently highlighted the need for strong border security and have sought to hold Harris accountable for the surge in illegal crossings during the Biden administration. During a recent press conference in New York, Trump criticized Harris’s border visit, suggesting that she should focus on urging the president to close the border through executive action.
In response to these criticisms, a senior campaign official indicated that Harris will argue that it was Trump who derailed a bipartisan border bill that would have implemented permanent asylum restrictions and provided additional resources for border enforcement. Trump had urged his allies in Congress to reject the bill, thwarting efforts to address key issues at the border.
The upcoming border visit by Vice President Harris underscores the importance of addressing the complex challenges facing the U.S.-Mexico border region. By focusing on issues such as border security, fentanyl trafficking, and immigration reform, Harris is positioning herself as a leader who is committed to finding comprehensive and effective solutions to these pressing issues.
As Harris prepares to deliver her remarks in Douglas, Arizona, all eyes will be on her as she outlines her vision for a secure, orderly, and humane immigration system that upholds American values while addressing the realities of border security in the 21st century. It is clear that the border visit will not only be a significant moment for Harris’s campaign but also a crucial opportunity to address the multifaceted issues that continue to shape the national conversation on immigration and border security.
