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Vice President Kamala Harris, appointed as the Biden administration's border czar in early 2021, has faced mounting criticism for her handling of the U.S.-Mexico border crisis. Conservative commentators and lawmakers have argued that her tenure has been marked by inaction and failure, as illegal immigration numbers have surged to record levels.
Harris was tasked with addressing the "root causes" of migration from Central America, focusing on diplomatic efforts and economic development in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Despite these efforts, critics say her approach has been ineffective. According to Rodney Scott, a former Border Patrol chief, Harris's impact on border security has been minimal, with the U.S. gaining limited cooperation from Mexico and Panama mainly due to career professionals within the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.
Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says Republicans “are making up” that Kamala was put in charge of the border.
Too bad her accepting the role is on video… pic.twitter.com/WPQBU6MkUK
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 25, 2024
Republicans have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, with Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) introducing a resolution to remove Harris from her role. Jackson accused Harris of neglecting her duties, resulting in a rise in illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He emphasized the need for a leader who would prioritize American interests and bolster border security.
Harris's approach has also been criticized for being more symbolic than substantive. Her trips to Central America and photo ops have been seen as insufficient by many, including former Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, who argues that the administration's goal is to eliminate U.S. borders, undermining national sovereignty.
The media is working overtime trying to remove the border responsibility from Kamala.
It’s too bad Biden is on video saying he put her in charge of the border.
Would be a shame if this went viral… pic.twitter.com/TiAvMsXP1O
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 24, 2024
While the White House has announced initiatives such as safe mobility offices in Guatemala and partnerships with private corporations to invest billions in Central America, the results have been underwhelming. An Associated Press report highlighted that nearly 250,000 people have passed through the dangerous Darien Gap in Panama this year alone, surpassing previous records and illustrating the ongoing migration crisis.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) criticized the administration's policies, blaming them for empowering cartels and exacerbating the fentanyl crisis, which has claimed numerous American lives. Green argued that Harris should acknowledge the administration's role in the crisis instead of attributing it solely to external factors.
Despite these criticisms, Harris has pivoted to other high-profile issues, such as abortion rights, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This shift has not quelled the criticism of her border czar performance, with many conservatives continuing to highlight her failures as emblematic of the administration's broader immigration policy shortcomings.
As the 2024 elections approach, Harris's role in the border crisis is likely to remain a focal point for Republican attacks, underscoring the political stakes of her controversial tenure as border czar.