El Paso politicians discuss Senate border deal; some leaders are split
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Some El Paso County leaders are divided on the U.S. Senate's border deal.
The deal would largely implement limits along the U.S. southern border.
One of the changes included in the bill would allow the Department of Homeland Security to crack down on migrant crossings if they reach over 4,000 in one week. Additionally, DHS would be required to take action if migrant crossings surpass 5,000 on an average day.
Another change is that asylum processing would be streamlined from years to only six months.
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego said it was an 'aggressive' approach. The judge said he would have liked to have been included in some of these conversations.
"I think that one of the things I'm very concerned about that they don't, we don't have these discussions to let the leadership here in El Paso sort of be able to talk about that," Judge Samaniego said.
The county judge said shutting down the border could become overwhelming for our community.
"That means our jails are going to be fuller. And we're, you know, we're not going to be able to handle some of these situations, and so it's easy for them, but the community really gets a burden of being able to address these changes," he said.
County Commissioner Sergio Coronado for Precinct 4 said he agrees with this bipartisan deal, but said he still needs to review it further. He said the U.S. needs a comprehensive immigration solution.
"Border problems it's a problem for everybody including the administration, who have to deal with the law as it is and without the proper resources. So instead of placing blame, you know, the Congress should act. They should really take care of taking a look at this. I would rather see a complete solution to the problem. This is as best a solution as we have had for the border in quite some time," Commissioner Coronado said.
Commissioner David Stout for Precinct 2 said he is disappointed by the bill.
"Especially when it comes to, you know, the provisions within the bill that have to do with spending on the border. I think it's just continuing with decades of, you know, misspending money and distracted policies," he said.
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar said she is still working on the entirety of the bill.
"I have long said I will thoughtfully consider any bipartisan product that works to improve the challenges we are facing at the border, and I intend to do just that," she wrote on X.
Rep. Tony Gonzales will hold a virtual press conference on Tuesday to discuss this.
