Mike Pompeo’s False Claim About the Southern Border Under Trump
At the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted that the US-Mexico border was effectively “closed” during Donald Trump’s presidency. However, this claim doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
Fact Check: The Border Reality
While Trump did implement stringent border measures, including a significant push to limit non-essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality is that illegal crossings remained substantial. Tens of thousands of migrants continued to cross the border illegally each month leading up to the end of Trump’s term. The administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy, which forced asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their cases were processed in the US, faced substantial legal challenges and was eventually terminated with the Supreme Court’s approval during Biden’s presidency.
The Pandemic’s Impact
The onset of the pandemic saw the Trump administration taking unprecedented steps to curb the spread of the virus, which included restrictions on the border. These measures did temporarily reduce crossings but did not entirely stop them. The Biden administration extended these restrictions but faced similar enforcement challenges.
Legal and Practical Hurdles
Trump’s efforts to completely seal the border were met with significant legal resistance. Federal courts blocked several key measures, demonstrating the complexities and legal constraints of border management. The narrative of a “closed” border oversimplifies these realities and overlooks the ongoing issues and legal battles that defined the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Looking Forward
As the 2024 election cycle heats up, immigration remains a polarizing issue. The debate over border security is likely to continue, with both parties presenting contrasting narratives. It’s crucial to critically evaluate these claims and understand the nuanced reality of border enforcement, rather than accepting oversimplified assertions.
Mike Pompeo’s statement is a reminder of the importance of fact-checking in the current political climate
Source: CNN
