The Mayor of Brownsville, John Cowan, Jr, recently shared his perspective on the visit of both President Biden and former President Trump to the Texas border. During Trump's visit, he used strong language, referring to the situation as an invasion, a sentiment that the Mayor does not agree with. While acknowledging that there were high numbers of migrants in the past year, Mayor Cowan highlighted that Brownsville is currently experiencing lower numbers. He noted that over 90% of individuals arriving at the border are seeking asylum through legal channels at the bridge, rather than crossing illegally.
Discussing the simultaneous visits of both political figures, the Mayor emphasized the importance of drawing attention to the resources and challenges faced by communities along the border. He appreciated the focus brought by both visits and stressed the need for a bipartisan effort to address border-related issues effectively. As an elected leader, he recognized the significance of photo opportunities and optics in shaping public perception.
Mayor Cowan expressed his hope that the visits would serve as a catalyst for increased support for Border Patrol, Customs, and local officials. He underscored the need for a more organized and legal process for handling immigration matters, advocating for a shift towards a system that prioritizes efficiency and compliance with existing laws.
In conclusion, the Mayor's remarks underscored the complexities of the border situation and the importance of a collaborative approach to address the challenges faced by communities like Brownsville. By highlighting the need for resources and support, he called for a united effort to ensure the effective management of border-related issues.
