Mayor Jaime Escobar Jr. would often observe activity outside his city hall office in Roma, Texas. He noticed individuals, sometimes families, rushing through the historic downtown plaza. Many of them had just crossed the Rio Grande and were helped up by stairs to meet Customs and Border Patrol officers for asylum-seeking processes. Escobar shared that this sight occurred multiple times a week, especially noting an increase during the Biden administration.
Being a supporter of law and order, Escobar highlighted the shift in immigration patterns under the Biden administration, citing a surge in illegal crossings. However, he expressed satisfaction with the decrease in illegal crossings under Donald Trump’s presidency, mentioning a significant change in the situation.
A visit to Starr County revealed a mix of sentiments among voters after Trump’s election win. Trump’s promises on immigration and economic reforms resonated with many Latino voters in the predominantly Hispanic county. Residents expressed concerns about inflation and the challenges of finding good jobs despite the community’s growth.
While Trump voters in Starr County remained supportive of his immigration policies, some Democratic voters like Mindy Garza raised concerns about ICE’s treatment of Hispanic individuals. The economic challenges faced by small business owners and retirees further highlighted the county’s diverse opinions on Trump’s policies.
Despite varying views on Trump’s presidency, the county witnessed a decline in apprehensions along the southern border, aligning with CBP data indicating a significant drop in illegal crossings. Residents also noted a decrease in drug traffickers entering the community, reflecting changes in border security measures.
Overall, Trump supporters in Starr County stood by their votes, emphasizing improvements in certain aspects under his administration. However, divisions persisted along partisan lines, with critics expressing skepticism about the long-term impact of Trump’s policies. The community’s political landscape remained polarized, reflecting the ongoing tensions from the 2024 election.
