Border Communities See Improvements Under Trump-Era Policies, Says Arizona Congressman
Representative Juan Ciscomani, a Republican representing Arizona, asserts that life has tangibly improved for residents in border communities following policy shifts implemented during the Trump administration. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ciscomani highlighted the positive reception from his constituents, stating, "They’re very happy with the results, and we knew that the numbers were going to be reflecting like they are." He characterized the changes as "drastic," pointing to a significant decrease in migrant encounters at the border.
According to data from United States Customs and Border Protection, migrant encounters plummeted in February, reaching just over 8,300. This figure represents the lowest monthly tally since officials began systematically tracking such data, signaling a substantial shift in border dynamics.
Ciscomani emphasized that the reduction in the number of people crossing the border is merely one facet of a broader picture. He noted the deployment of additional troops to the southern border upon Donald Trump’s assumption of the presidency. Furthermore, the designation of cartels and gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist groups, along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting nationwide raids targeting undocumented immigrants suspected of crimes, contributed to a perceived improvement in the security landscape.
"They’ve seen an immediate change in their daily lives on this for some people. They’re seeing the reports on TV, for my community, they’re seeing it in person," Ciscomani elaborated, referencing the lived experiences of his constituents residing in or near the border region.
In his role as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Ciscomani is spearheading a delegation of freshman GOP lawmakers on a visit to the Arizona border this week. The itinerary includes visits to ports of entry, dialogues with authorities on the ground, and a tour led by the National Border Patrol Council. The delegation comprises Representatives Mike Kennedy (R-Utah), Julie Fedorchak (R-N.D.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), Tim Moore (R-N.C.), Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.), Dave Taylor (R-Ohio), Jeff Crank (R-Colo.), John McGuire (R-Va.), and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.).
Ciscomani emphasized the importance of firsthand exposure to the border region for lawmakers. "When I first got to Washington a few years ago, I realized that a lot of people run on the issue of the border," he said. "They care about fixing it and addressing it, but a lot of members just haven’t had the opportunity to visit the border. And even if they have, they probably have gone to the area of Texas. And Arizona’s so unique in so many ways, right?"
The congressman stressed the need for sustained efforts to solidify the policy changes implemented during the Trump administration, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the border crisis witnessed during Joe Biden’s presidency, a period characterized by millions of migrant encounters.
Ciscomani also highlighted his recent legislative success, the passage of the Agent Raul Gonzalez Office Safety Act in the House. The legislation aims to impose stricter penalties on individuals convicted of fleeing authorities within 100 miles of the border, potentially including prison time and deportation, contingent on their immigration status. While some Democrats supported the bill, others deemed it an overreach.
Ciscomani articulated his vision for further reforms, advocating for measures such as increasing the "credible fear standard" in the asylum process and making the "Remain in Mexico" policy permanent. "For example, the asylum process, we have to increase the credible fear standard," Ciscomani said. "Things like Remain in Mexico. I think something like that should be permanent. So we’ve got some ideas on this through reconciliation."
Despite partisan divisions, Ciscomani noted areas ripe for bipartisan collaboration. He cited his joint effort with Representative Don Davis, a Democrat from North Carolina, to introduce a bill aimed at improving the detection of illicit drugs at ports of entry through the deployment of image technicians. This initiative underscores the potential for common ground in addressing specific border-related challenges.
The article underscores the perceived impact of Trump-era border policies on communities in Arizona, as conveyed by Representative Ciscomani. It showcases his legislative efforts to solidify those policies and address ongoing concerns, while also highlighting potential avenues for bipartisan cooperation in tackling specific border security issues. Ciscomani’s stance reflects a broader Republican perspective advocating for stricter border enforcement measures, contrasting with differing viewpoints on immigration policy within the Democratic party. The upcoming border visit by freshman GOP lawmakers signals a concerted effort to raise awareness and garner support for specific legislative initiatives aimed at addressing border security concerns. The article suggests that while partisan divides persist, there exists a willingness to collaborate on targeted measures to improve border security and address specific challenges faced by border communities.
