Border politics front and center on 2024 campaign trail
WASHINGTON — The border issue is once again taking center stage on the 2024 campaign trail, particularly in the crucial battleground state of Arizona.
Former President Donald Trump has proposed a plan to hire 10,000 additional border agents and increase the salaries of those currently serving. However, he has not disclosed the source of funding for this initiative.
During a speech in Prescott Valley, Arizona, over the weekend, Trump stated, “After I win, I will be asking Congress immediately to approve a 10% raise. They haven’t had one in a long time for all agents and a $10,000 each retention and signing bonus.”
The National Border Patrol Council has shown support for Trump’s initiative. “On behalf of the 16,000 men and women represented by the National Border Patrol Council, we strongly support and endorse Donald J. Trump for president of the United States,” announced National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez.
In addition to the agent hiring plan, Trump has outlined more specifics regarding his approach to tackling migrant criminals by leveraging the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that grants authority to “apprehend, restrain, secure and remove” individuals considered “subjects of a hostile nation.”
Furthermore, Trump aspires to implement an automatic 10-year prison sentence for individuals who illegally re-enter the U.S. after being deported, and he intends to recommend the death penalty for any migrant who kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.
The Trump campaign is banking on this tough stance resonating with voters, as polls consistently indicate that his border policies are significantly more favorable compared to those of the Biden-Harris administration.
In a recent town hall, Democratic Vice Presidential nominee addressed the issue, stating, “I have taken on transnational criminal organizations that traffic guns, drugs, and human beings, and I have prosecuted them.” She has also expressed her support for the Senate’s bipartisan border bill, which ultimately did not go to a vote.
Her campaign has criticized Trump, accusing him of undermining efforts to hire new border agents for his political gain. “Trump blocked the only thing we had for his own political gain,” said Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz. “That’s the difference between somebody who’s actually prosecuted the criminals and dedicated her life to keeping people safe and a salesman who’s selling you snake oil for his own good. That’s the difference.”
The contrasts between the candidates are sharply evident as the campaign enters its final weeks.
