Timeline of Kamala Harris and the border problem
Vice President Kamala Harris has found herself in the spotlight as the presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee for president, with one of the key issues being her handling of the migrant crisis at the southern border. Since being endorsed by President Biden, Harris has faced scrutiny over her leadership in this critical area.
In March 2021, migrant crossings at the southern border surged following Biden’s entry into office. Biden assigned Harris to address the root causes of the crisis, focusing on issues such as climate change, poverty, and violence that were believed to be driving migrants north. Harris was tasked with leading efforts in collaboration with Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries.
Despite the unofficial title of “border czar” bestowed upon her by media outlets and Republicans, Harris faced mounting pressure to visit the border directly. Instead, she visited Mexico and Guatemala, delivering a stern message to migrants to deter them from attempting to cross the border, saying, “Do not come.”
During a press conference in Mexico, an awkward interaction occurred when a reporter-turned-activist expressed support for Harris and questioned her plans for women, particularly women of color, on both sides of the border. This incident highlighted the complex and challenging nature of the border crisis Harris was navigating.
As pressure mounted for her to visit the border, Harris faced criticism for her delay in doing so. She eventually visited the border in El Paso, Texas, receiving briefings and meeting with stakeholders but not without facing criticism for her delayed action.
Reports emerged of dissent within Harris’ team, with claims that she was dissatisfied with her role, including the border assignment. This internal turmoil added another layer of complexity to her already challenging position.
In September 2021, Harris found herself embroiled in controversy over a debunked narrative regarding migrants being whipped by Border Patrol agents in the Del Rio Sector. Despite the subsequent investigation refuting these claims, the incident further added to the scrutiny of Harris’ handling of the crisis.
Throughout 2021 and 2022, Harris remained relatively unseen in addressing the root causes of the crisis, citing the need for more time for her strategy to show results. Despite private sector initiatives to draw investment to tackle underlying issues, Harris did not revisit the border during this time.
In June 2022, Harris attended the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, where she secured commitments of $3.2 billion from private sector companies. She reiterated the importance of addressing root causes and highlighted the complexities of migration, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to the crisis.
As the summer of 2022 saw record-breaking numbers of migrant encounters, Harris faced criticism for declaring the border secure despite the ongoing crisis and mass releases of migrants into the interior. The disconnect between her statements and the reality on the ground exacerbated existing concerns about her leadership.
Throughout 2023, Harris made few appearances related to the border crisis, with her private investment strategy continuing to attract commitments from companies. However, the crisis remained in the headlines, with new records broken for migrant encounters and chaotic scenes at the border.
As the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, Harris voiced her support for bipartisan efforts to address the crisis, including increased funding for border security and initiatives to reduce migrant crossings. She also backed a series of executive orders by President Biden aimed at reforming the immigration system.
Harris highlighted successes in her role, such as rallying private sector investment to the region and reducing the number of encounters from Northern Triangle countries. However, data showed a significant increase in illegal crossings during the Biden/Harris administration compared to previous administrations, raising questions about the effectiveness of their approach.
As the border crisis remains a pressing issue, Harris has promised to introduce additional solutions while criticizing former President Trump for obstructing reform efforts. Despite facing challenges and criticisms, Harris continues to navigate the complexities of the border crisis as she prepares for her presidential campaign.
