Western Reader
Vice President Kamala Harris was appointed as the Biden administration’s border czar in early 2021, but her performance in this role has been widely criticized. Many conservative commentators and lawmakers argue that she has been ineffective in addressing the U.S.-Mexico border crisis, as illegal immigration numbers have reached record levels.
Harris was assigned the task of tackling the “root causes” of migration from Central America, with a focus on diplomatic efforts and economic development in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Despite these efforts, critics believe her approach has not yielded significant results. According to Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief, Harris’s impact on border security has been minimal, with the U.S. receiving limited cooperation from Mexico and Panama mostly due to career professionals within the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, claims that Republicans are falsely stating that Kamala was put in charge of the border.
However, there is video evidence of her accepting the role… pic.twitter.com/WPQBU6MkUK
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 25, 2024
Republicans have expressed their dissatisfaction, with Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) introducing a resolution to remove Harris from her position. Jackson accused Harris of neglecting her responsibilities, leading to increased illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He stressed the importance of having a leader who prioritizes American interests and strengthens border security.
Harris’s approach has been criticized for its symbolic rather than substantive nature. Many find her visits to Central America and photo opportunities inadequate, including former Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, who suggests that the administration aims to eliminate U.S. borders, undermining national sovereignty.
The media is making efforts to shift the responsibility for the border from Kamala.
However, President Biden has openly stated on video that he tasked her with overseeing the border.
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 24, 2024
While the White House has introduced initiatives such as safe mobility offices in Guatemala and partnerships with private corporations to invest billions in Central America, the outcomes have been lackluster. An Associated Press report revealed that nearly 250,000 people have traversed the perilous Darien Gap in Panama this year alone, surpassing previous records and underscoring the ongoing migration crisis.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) criticized the administration’s policies, attributing them to empowering cartels and worsening the fentanyl crisis, which has tragically claimed numerous American lives. Green argues that Harris should acknowledge the administration’s involvement in the crisis rather than solely blaming external factors.
Despite the criticism, Harris has shifted her focus to other prominent issues like abortion rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. However, this change has not quelled the scrutiny of her performance as border czar, with many conservatives continuing to point out her failures as representative of broader shortcomings in the administration’s immigration policy.
As the 2024 elections draw near, Harris’s handling of the border crisis is expected to remain a central target for Republican criticism, highlighting the political implications of her controversial tenure as border czar.
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