Vice President Kamala Harris has come under scrutiny for her handling of immigration and border security, with three mayors along the southern border expressing disappointment in her performance. Mayor Douglas Nicholls of Yuma, Arizona, described Harris' efforts in addressing the border crisis as virtually nonexistent.
President Biden tasked Harris with addressing the root causes of Central American migration, focusing on issues such as poverty and violence. In 2021, Harris visited Mexico and Guatemala and negotiated a deal that involved significant financial contributions from the U.S. and private companies to support Central American countries.
Despite an initial focus on immigration, Harris has not visited the southern border or any Central American countries since January 2022, raising concerns among local officials. Mayor Jorge Maldonado of Nogales, Arizona, emphasized the importance of Harris experiencing firsthand the unique challenges faced by border communities like Nogales.
While Nogales has been somewhat shielded from the migrant surge due to its location, the city still grapples with the impact of migrant processing centers and the release of migrants by Customs and Border Protection officials.
Harris was dubbed 'border czar' by media outlets and Republicans following her assignment to address root causes of migration. However, critics argue that she has not made a significant impact on border issues, prompting discussions about her effectiveness in the role.
Mayor Victor Treviño of Laredo, Texas, highlighted the importance of Harris engaging more actively on immigration matters, particularly with the Latino community. He noted a shift in Harris' approach, describing her as more communicative and outspoken on key issues since becoming a presidential candidate.
Treviño extended an invitation to Harris to visit the border in Laredo, emphasizing the significance of understanding and addressing the challenges faced by border communities. As immigration remains a top priority for voters, Harris faces pressure to demonstrate a stronger commitment to border security and immigration reform.
