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Texas Rep. Escobar Rebukes Trump on Border Security at DNC

Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar discussed border security at the DNC, stating Democrats have solutions.

Published August 22, 2024 at 10:11am by Alexis Simmerman


Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar Criticizes Trump’s Border Policies at DNC

Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday to discuss her experience living, working, and governing in El Paso. After receiving an invitation Tuesday night, Escobar focused her speech on border security.

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Escobar on US-Mexico Border: 'You Know Nothing, Donald Trump'

Escobar recalled growing up in El Paso and crossing the border frequently, emphasizing the need for legal immigration pathways. In her three-minute address, she criticized Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, for politicizing the issue.

"The border is my beloved home, the place where my children grew up. Forget what you hear on the news. I’m from there. When it comes to the border, hear me when I say, you know nothing, Donald Trump," Escobar said. "He and his Republican imitators see the border and immigration as a political opportunity to exploit instead of an issue to address."

Despite campaigning on the issue, Escobar noted that Republicans have repeatedly blocked action on border security.

"Congress hasn't passed comprehensive immigration reform in nearly four decades," Escobar said. "The three times they tried, Republicans blocked legislation that would have funded more security and created a more humane immigration system. They are not serious people."

Escobar Endorses Harris: 'We Can Live Up to the Promise of America'

"You know who is serious? Kamala Harris."

Escobar shared her experience meeting Vice President Harris during a visit to El Paso.

"I saw first-hand how she engaged with law enforcement, migrants, and human rights advocates," Escobar said. "She was curious. She asked questions. She listened. And she didn't care if the cameras were on."

"Most of all, she recognized that the situation at the border is complicated — as filled with opportunities as it is with challenges. All Republicans have to offer is demonization and bluster. Democrats have solutions."

"With Kamala Harris as president, we can live up to the promise of America. We can strengthen legal pathways to immigration. We can secure our borders, and we can treat with dignity those who seek a better future within them."

Read more: Texans at the DNC: US Rep. Veronica Escobar tapped to chair convention Thursday night

WATCH: Rep. Veronica Escobar's Full DNC Speech

Texans at the DNC: Kate Cox Speaks on Reproductive Rights

Escobar's address followed Texans' participation in the delegate roll call on Tuesday. Kate Cox spoke about being forced to leave the state to terminate an unviable pregnancy due to restrictive laws.

Cox, a Texas mother of two, shared that she is pregnant again, which would not have been possible without access to abortion care.

"If I hadn't gotten an abortion, it would have put our future pregnancy at risk," Cox said at the DNC Tuesday. "Trump didn't care. Because of his abortion bans, I had to flee my home. There is nothing pro-family about abortion bans. There is nothing pro-life about letting women suffer and even die."

"Today, because I found a way to access abortion care, I am pregnant again and my baby is due just in time to see Kamala Harris sworn in as president of the United States."

Read more: Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar talks border security at DNC: 'You know nothing, Donald Trump'