In a recent interview, the mayor of El Paso, a border city in Texas, shed light on the current situation at the border crossings and the challenges his community is facing. With record-setting numbers of migrants arriving daily, the mayor discussed the need for comprehensive immigration reform and emphasized the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
According to the mayor, El Paso is currently experiencing an influx of approximately 1,500 migrants per day. While this number is lower than last year's peak, it has significantly increased in recent weeks. The mayor expressed concerns about the sustainability of such high numbers and highlighted the urgent need for a functioning immigration system that addresses the root causes of migration.
Acknowledging that the immigration process is broken, the mayor emphasized the importance of working with migrants to ensure their safe passage to their intended destinations within the United States. He highlighted that less than 1% of those crossing the border stay in El Paso, as their ultimate goal is to build a better life in other parts of the country. The mayor stressed the need for collaboration and support from all levels of government to tackle this complex issue effectively.
The mayor also addressed the recent controversial rhetoric surrounding immigration, particularly in reference to extreme and inflammatory remarks made by public figures. He emphasized that it is time to move beyond divisive rhetoric and focus on fixing the broken immigration system. He called for real solutions instead of superficial Band-Aid approaches.
Regarding recent legislation enacted by Texas Governor Abbott, the mayor expressed concerns about its potential impact on the community. The law grants local law enforcement the power to arrest and state judges the authority to deport. However, the mayor emphasized that El Paso did not have the resources to enforce immigration laws effectively and was committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its community.
In conclusion, the mayor of El Paso shed light on the challenges his community is facing in managing the record numbers of migrants at the border. He called for comprehensive immigration reform, stressing the importance of treating migrants with dignity and respect. He also highlighted the need to address the root causes of migration and collaborate with other countries. In the face of divisive rhetoric, the mayor emphasized the urgency of fixing the broken immigration system and moving towards real solutions.
