In a surprising commendation from the Democratic side of the aisle, Representative Ami Bera (D-CA) attributed a significant drop in illegal border crossings to the policies implemented by President Donald Trump.
According to Breitbart, during a television broadcast, Rep. Ami Bera openly credited Trump’s strategies for their effectiveness in managing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Speaking on NewsNation’s “The Hill,” Representative Ami Bera not only highlighted the reduced numbers of illegal crossings but also suggested that such success might have influenced some electoral outcomes unfavorably for the Democrats, possibly affecting President Joe Biden’s campaign.
Illegal border crossings have notably decreased under the Republican administration, which Rep. Bera praised. This outcome aligns with what many American voters were looking for, according to the congressman.
News host Blake Burman further reinforced this point by revealing a dramatic decrease in border encounters, with reductions reportedly more than 95% during Trump’s presidency.
Another crucial topic discussed was the proposed $175 billion funding aimed at fortifying the southern border even further. While addressing this proposal, Bera expressed his openness to negotiations, especially if the funds were allocated towards combating drug cartels and the trafficking of fentanyl.
Here is a detailed statement from Rep. Ami Bera:
"I will give the President success where success is due. The southern border and illegal crossings have gone down. The American public voted for that and he’s delivered. Do we need 175 billion more? Maybe. But, again, he’s succeeding with what he has available. So, if it’s tactical, if we’re using it to address the drug cartels, address fentanyl trafficking, great. Come to Congress and let’s talk about it, and I think we’re willing to negotiate."
The Democratic representative also touched on the political ramifications of not addressing border issues more promptly. He speculated that this might have contributed to Democratic losses in recent elections, including possibly former President Biden’s.
During the interview, host Blake Burman pointed out the potential backlash Bera might face from his party for such admissions. Bera acknowledged the risk, emphasizing the importance of addressing the realities of border management and public sentiment.
Representative Ami Bera further remarked on the necessity of timely and effective action on border issues, linking it directly to political outcomes: “Joe Biden probably lost the election, we probably lost the election because we didn’t act soon enough on the border and the public spoke on that.”
This candid discussion by Rep. Bera underscores a rare bipartisan acknowledgment of a former president’s policy success, while also hinting at an intraparty critique of the Democrats' approach to immigration and border security.
It reveals an awareness of the critical impact that such issues can have not only on national security but also on political tides, suggesting that the handling of border security is as much a practical matter as it is political.
The dialogue around border security continues to evolve, as leaders from different political backgrounds engage in discussions that could shape future policies and funding allocations in significant ways.
