Migrants are expected to surge toward the U.S.-Mexico border in anticipation of the 2024 presidential election due to concerns surrounding former President Donald Trump, as stated by National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd.
During an appearance on Fox Business’ Varney & Company, Judd addressed host Stuart Varney’s inquiry about whether he anticipates a rise in migrants at the border “as Trump appears increasingly likely to win” the 2024 presidential election.
“We do,” responded Judd. “We witnessed this phenomenon when President Trump was up for reelection. There was a significant surge in anticipation of a Biden victory, as they sought to arrive before Biden assumed office, recognizing that his policies would offer them protection.”
Judd further emphasized the strategic awareness of the cartels, stating, “They are astute in understanding our political landscape and exploiting it for their gain. They adapt to the shifts in politics and media narratives.”
Border Patrol Union Head Expects Influx of Migrants at Border Due to Trump Fear (Credits: Newsweek)
In recent months, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data has consistently shown a rise in illegal migrant encounters at the Southern land borders. January recorded 176,205 illegal migrant encounters at the Southwest land borders, although this marked a decrease from December’s tally of just over 300,000 encounters. Nonetheless, these figures remain notably higher compared to previous years.
Trump has pledged to address border security if elected in 2024, asserting, “On day one, I will terminate every open border of the Biden administration, and we will begin the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” during a speech in South Carolina.
Republicans have criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, opposing a bipartisan border security bill. Biden, in turn, accused Republicans of succumbing to fear of Trump’s influence, attributing their opposition to the border security bill to this sentiment.
A recent PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll revealed that 42 percent of Americans, including 72 percent of Republicans, believe the U.S. is too open on the border. Additionally, a CBS News/YouGov poll from last month noted a growing percentage of Americans describing the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border as a “crisis,” with 45 percent in January, up from 38 percent in May of the previous year.
