The political landscape in Texas is evolving as immigration enforcement becomes a focal point in the upcoming elections, particularly leading up to the primaries on March 3, 2024. With border crossings significantly reduced from their recent peaks, candidates are pivoting to emphasize tougher enforcement measures instead of the volume of crossings.
Mario Guerrero, a construction leader in Edinburg and executive director of the South Texas Builders Association, voiced his concerns about the impacts of federal enforcement actions. He supported Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, citing a dramatic increase in border crossings under previous leadership. However, he noted that recent federal raids at construction sites have disrupted operations, instilling fear among workers. “The whole workforce, whether people have proper documentation or not, they’re all scared,” Guerrero stated, highlighting the adverse effects on local businesses.
As the Republican candidates gear up for the race, they are focusing on enforcement rather than addressing comprehensive immigration reform. Incumbent Senator John Cornyn and challengers such as Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt have shown support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Their campaigns prioritize security and interior enforcement over discussions of broader immigration policy changes. This strategy aims to energize their conservative base, though analysts caution it may limit their appeal to the wider electorate.
The Republican focus on enforcement comes as federal data indicates a significant decrease in border crossings. Border Patrol encounters have shifted from a surge to a trickle, with many migrants quickly returned or placed into expedited removal. In contrast, ICE apprehensions rose by 132% nationally between January and October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a notable shift in enforcement strategy.
The recent fatal shooting of a woman during an ICE operation in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of aggressive enforcement tactics. While Texas Republicans rally behind Trump’s hardline approach, internal conflicts arise as Paxton and Hunt criticize Cornyn for his past statements regarding border wall construction. Paxton has formalized Texas’ cooperation with federal immigration directives and emphasized the state’s role in enforcement.
Democratic candidates are responding by denouncing these aggressive tactics. U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and state Representative James Talarico, both vying for the Democratic Senate nomination, are addressing the fallout from heightened enforcement, such as labor shortages and civil liberty concerns. They advocate for a balanced approach that acknowledges the value of immigration while ensuring security. Talarico has criticized both President Joe Biden‘s and Trump’s enforcement policies, calling for more immigration judges and a comprehensive overhaul of the asylum system.
Crockett has positioned herself as an experienced candidate, citing her work on a key House immigration subcommittee. She proposed legislation to prevent immigration officers from wearing masks during operations to enhance accountability. Her recent comments comparing ICE operations to “slave patrols” have sparked controversy, but she defended her remarks as a call for solidarity among Latino voters.
The mixed attitudes of Texas voters add another layer to the political discourse. While concern about illegal immigration remains prevalent, many Texans recognize the economic contributions of immigrants. This nuanced perspective could complicate the Republicans’ hardline stance as they approach the general election.
Independent polling indicates a growing divide between how candidates discuss immigration and the priorities of the electorate. Some voters express anxiety about border security, while others emphasize the need for humane treatment and economic stability. Activists like Amerika Garcia Grewal from Eagle Pass warn that aggressive enforcement tactics may backfire, urging voters to consider the human cost of strict policies.
As the Texas political race progresses, the debate over immigration will likely continue to evolve. Political scientists like Jeronimo Cortina at the University of Houston note that the border’s role in shaping immigration discourse is shifting. The emerging question remains how these dynamics will influence the broader political landscape as the primaries approach.
In Texas, immigration remains a central issue, but the focus is clearly moving from merely addressing border crossings to a more complex discussion about enforcement actions and their implications for local communities and economies.