The Biden administration is gearing up to implement a comprehensive border executive action, potentially as early as Tuesday. White House officials have been in talks with mayors from cities along the US southern border to participate in the announcement of the order. The action aims to restrict migrants' ability to seek asylum at the border, part of a strategy to address a key campaign issue for President Joe Biden's Republican opponents.
Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza confirmed that the administration reached out to him to attend an event at the White House on Tuesday. The order is expected to utilize an authority known as 212f to crack down on unlawful border crossings, similar to a controversial measure from the Trump administration.
The White House spokesperson emphasized the administration's commitment to enhancing border security resources and addressing the broken immigration system. The upcoming executive action is seen as an effort to preempt criticism from Republicans and former President Donald Trump ahead of the first presidential debate.
While border arrests have decreased this year, the White House is capitalizing on this trend and Mexico's increased enforcement efforts to address the politically sensitive issue of immigration. The administration has introduced various policy changes to discourage migrants from coming to the US and demonstrate a commitment to tightening immigration at the border.
Despite calls from some Democrats for President Biden to make another visit to the border, a White House spokesperson indicated that such a trip is not currently being considered. The administration continues to explore policy options and remains focused on implementing measures to manage immigration effectively.