Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, endorses Trump at the border as the two Republicans lay out their strict immigration policies.

At a campaign event near the U.S.-Mexico border, former President Donald Trump received a strong endorsement from Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his 2024 presidential bid. This region has been crucial in the political careers of both Republicans, especially concerning immigration policies.

Governor Abbott, a vocal critic of President Biden’s immigration policies, gave Trump his support in Edinburg, located in the Rio Grande Valley. This area, known for high rates of unlawful border crossings, has seen Republicans, including Abbott, make significant gains in predominantly Hispanic communities.

The event, symbolically set against a backdrop of Texas law enforcement helicopters, a plane, and an armored vehicle, came after Trump and Abbott served meals to members of the Texas National Guard and troopers part of Operation Lone Star, a state border security initiative.

Trump, known for his tough stance on immigration, has intensified his rhetoric and promises on the issue. He has made controversial statements about migrants and has vowed to implement an even more stringent immigration agenda if re-elected in 2024. This includes plans for extensive deportations, expanded travel bans, and the potential revival of his migrant family separation policy, which was discontinued in 2018 amidst public outrage.

Meanwhile, Governor Abbott, who has yet to formally endorse a presidential candidate, has also prioritized immigration during his tenure. He has taken bold steps against President Biden’s border policies, including fortifying the Rio Grande and authorizing the transportation of migrants to Democratic-led cities.

Abbott is expected to sign SB4, a severe state immigration law, which has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the Mexican government and the American Civil Liberties Union. This law would allow for the arrest of migrants on new illegal entry charges and enable state judges to issue deportation orders.

President Biden’s reelection campaign has been quick to criticize Trump’s immigration proposals, with campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez labeling them as extreme and inhumane. Immigration remains a challenging issue for Biden, with his administration facing pressure to manage the increasing migrant entries at the southern border.

Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, argues that Trump is gaining more support among Latinos and other minority voters due to his commitment to border security, contrasting it with the spike in migrant crossings under Biden’s presidency.