Mayor Jaime Escobar Jr. often witnessed people darting through Roma’s historic downtown plaza from his city hall office in Texas. Families, having just crossed the Rio Grande, would gather there, surrendering to Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers for asylum-seeking processes. Escobar noted a rise in crossings during the Biden administration due to perceived flaws in the immigration system.
Following Trump’s re-election, illegal crossings decreased significantly in Roma, marking a stark contrast. Escobar, a split voter who supported Trump for president and Democrats for other positions, remains satisfied with Trump’s impact on border security.
In Starr County, where Roma is located, Trump’s focus on immigration reform and affordability resonated with voters, leading to a historic win for the Republican nominee after 132 years. The county’s predominantly Hispanic population embraced Trump’s economic promises, despite concerns about inflation and job scarcity.
While Trump voters in Starr County praise his immigration policies, Democratic supporters remain critical, citing issues with ICE treatment of Hispanic individuals. The economic challenges faced by small business owners and residents further highlight the ongoing political divide in the region.
CBP data shows a significant drop in apprehensions at the southern border, with fewer incidents of illegal crossings and drug trafficking reported in Starr County. Despite differing views on Trump’s administration, the community remains divided on the overall impact of his policies, with varying perspectives on affordability and immigration enforcement.
