BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Charro Days in Brownsville, at the southernmost tip of the Rio Grande, will coincide with President Joe Biden’s visit on Thursday. Since 1938, this celebration has brought people to the streets to honor Mexican culture with mariachi bands, bullfights, and a parade featuring floats from its sister city, Matamoros, Mexico.
Simultaneously, President Biden will engage with Border Patrol and local law enforcement, emphasizing a shift towards robust border enforcement as immigration becomes a major concern for his re-election. On the same day, former President Donald Trump is expected in Eagle Pass, where state-led border efforts have transformed the city park into a fortified area with steel fencing and razor wire.
These contrasting scenes epitomize two perspectives on the American immigration system. In Eagle Pass, Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star portrays the border as a crucial battleground in a nationwide immigration struggle. In Brownsville, daily migration flows are routine, with officials processing asylum-seekers and thousands waiting across the river in camps outside the United States.
The upcoming visits reflect the divergent visions of the American public regarding immigration, now a pivotal election issue. A Gallup poll this week reveals that, for the first time in a decade, Americans consider immigration the most significant problem facing the country.
For those at the border, any political visit highlights a disrupted community due to an unresolved immigration system. Questions arise about whether Biden or Trump offer positive visions for border and migration issues, leaving uncertainty among residents.
In Brownsville, immigration attorney Charlene D’Cruz questions the purpose of Biden’s visit, asserting that despite the orderly appearance, the situation remains dire for migrants. Meanwhile, at Fina’s Coffee Shop, concerns about the rising cost of living surpass immigration as a top issue for owner Veronica Benavides.
In Eagle Pass, Trump’s visit is met with mixed reactions. Richard Flores, a fifth-generation rancher, supports better border enforcement due to his firsthand experience with smugglers and migrants affecting his property.
Biden is expected to discuss a recent bipartisan immigration bill and demonstrate a commitment to executive actions for stronger border enforcement during his Brownsville visit. However, skepticism prevails, as 80% of Americans, according to a Pew Research Center survey, believe the government is handling the migrant situation poorly.
The visits underscore the challenge faced by presidential administrations as they grapple with the influx of migrants seeking American opportunities. The public’s perception is shaped by images of overwhelmed border facilities and concerns about vetting processes.
In the lead-up to Biden’s visit, Brownsville residents prepare for Charro Days, emphasizing their cultural celebration over political events. Judge Eddie Treviño, while acknowledging the limited face time with the president, intends to convey that true resolution requires systemic improvements rather than mere enforcement measures. The outdated immigration system, unaddressed for over 40 years, needs comprehensive reform beyond partisan delays.
