Donald Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has expressed his support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s efforts to address the influx of illegal immigrants at the southern border. Trump called for Texas to receive “full support to repel the invasion” and encouraged other states to deploy their National Guard troops to assist Texas in preventing the entry of illegal immigrants. He criticized the Biden administration for attempting to limit Governor Abbott’s actions.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, also seeking the GOP’s presidential nomination, joined Trump and other Republicans in supporting Governor Abbott’s border security measures. Haley emphasized the importance of states’ rights in defending their borders and criticized President Joe Biden for hindering governors’ efforts to protect their citizens.
Trump and Haley’s endorsements add to the growing chorus of 24 Republican governors who released a joint statement in support of Abbott’s border security measures, including the use of razor wire fences. Senator J.D. Vance introduced the State Border Security Act, legislation aimed at preventing the federal government from removing razor wire fencing.
Governor Abbott has declared an “invasion” and invoked Texas’ constitutional authority to defend itself, asserting that this authority supersedes federal statutes. Trump echoed this sentiment, stating that Texas has rightfully invoked the Invasion Clause of the Constitution and should receive full support to repel the invasion.
Haley noted her past experience with President Biden, referencing his administration’s legal action against her when she passed stringent anti-illegal immigration laws during her tenure as governor of South Carolina.
Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong immigration enforcement, emphasizing that those allowed into the country under Biden’s administration should not become complacent, as he pledged to carry out the “largest domestic deportation operation in history.”
The issue of border security and immigration enforcement remains a contentious topic within the Republican Party, with various candidates and leaders expressing their positions and strategies for addressing the challenge.
