Title: Kamala Harris’ Controversial Visit to the US-Mexico Border Reveals Concealment of the Migrant Crisis
Introduction:
Vice President Kamala Harris faced intense scrutiny over her handling of the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border. When she finally made her highly anticipated visit to the border near El Paso, Texas, on June 25, 2021, sources reveal that federal agents were instructed to sanitize the area and create a facade to downplay the severity of the crisis. This article explores the controversial trip, shedding light on the efforts made to hide the extent of the border crisis and the subsequent criticism faced by Harris.
A Staged Show and Concealment of the Crisis:
During Harris’ visit, Border Patrol sources disclosed that agents on the ground were directed to move migrants out of holding facilities to create a false impression for the cameras. One agent even mentioned that they had to braid the hair of unaccompanied minors, highlighting the extent to which officials went to make the situation appear more controlled than it actually was. The rushed nature of the visit and Harris’s lack of genuine interest in observing the crisis further underscored the attempt to stage a show rather than address the issue at hand.
Critics Lambast Harris for Failed Policies:
Harris, dubbed President Biden’s “border czar,” accompanied Democratic members of Congress and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during her visit. However, sources report that except for meeting migrant children who drew pictures for her, Harris’s visit remained largely superficial. Republican leaders, including former President Donald Trump and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, criticized Harris for failing to secure the borders and prioritizing the needs of illegal immigrants over American citizens. The visit did little to alleviate concerns about her approach to immigration policy.
Concealment Efforts and Record High Illegal Crossings:
Efforts to sanitize the area during Harris’s visit included moving migrants out of public spaces and cleaning the streets to remove those released by authorities. Despite these attempts, the border crisis was far from concealed. In June 2021 alone, Border Patrol agents apprehended 21,500 people who had crossed the border illegally in the El Paso sector. The sheer volume of illegal crossings highlights the pressing nature of the crisis and the inadequacy of Harris’s response thus far.
Harris Faces Fresh Scrutiny:
Harris’s record on migration faced renewed scrutiny, particularly due to her presidential nomination prospects shortly after President Biden dropped out of the race. More than 8 million migrants crossed the border illegally after Harris’s infamous “do not come” speech, which urged families not to undertake the perilous journey to the US. Her single visit to the border, far from the epicenter of the crisis, drew criticism from Trump and other GOP leaders who questioned her commitment to addressing the issue effectively.
The Pressure to Visit and Delayed Response:
Initially, Harris resisted calls to visit the southern border and grew defensive when questioned about it by NBC anchor Lester Holt. However, she eventually succumbed to pressure and made her way to El Paso approximately two weeks later. This delay and initial reluctance further fueled doubts about her dedication to tackling the root causes of migration and effectively addressing the crisis at hand.
Conclusion:
Vice President Kamala Harris’s visit to the US-Mexico border in El Paso shed light on attempts to sanitize the area and conceal the severity of the migrant crisis. The staged nature of the visit, coupled with Harris’s lack of genuine engagement, raised concerns about her approach to immigration policy. As the border crisis continues to escalate, it remains crucial for Harris and the Biden administration to take more effective measures to secure the borders and address the root causes of migration in Central America.
