Republican candidate JD Vance calls for empowering law enforcement to curb illegal immigration, accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of an "open border" policy that he says has led to "massive problems" in the US.
In a heated debate Tuesday night, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance and Democratic candidate Tim Walz clashed on the issue of immigration, with Vance vehemently criticizing the Biden administration's policies.
Vance, a senator from Ohio, argued that the surge of illegal immigrants at the southern border can be largely attributed to the lack of support for law enforcement. He emphasized the need to empower Border Patrol agents to "do their job" and deter illegal crossings.
Vance and Walz Spar Over Immigration in Vice Presidential Debate
"We brought in millions of illegal immigrants to compete with Americans for scarce homes," Vance asserted, highlighting the impact of illegal immigration on housing affordability and strained resources in communities like Springfield, Ohio.
Turning his criticism to Harris, Vance denounced her handling of the immigration crisis as a "disgrace," accusing her of undermining the Trump administration's border policies and neglecting the concerns of Americans affected by illegal immigration.
Vance and Walz Spar Over Immigration in Vice Presidential Debate
Walz, the governor of Minnesota, countered Vance's claims, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of illegal immigration and advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. He pointed to a bipartisan Senate bill that he believes would address the issue effectively, providing funding for adjudication and ensuring humane treatment of migrants.
"This bill gets it done in 90 days," Walz said, emphasizing the need for speedy resolution of asylum claims. "You start to make a difference in this, and you start to adhere to what we know, American principles."
Vance and Walz Spar Over Immigration in Vice Presidential Debate
Regarding Vance's criticism of Harris, Walz defended her commitment to resolving the immigration issue, citing her support for the bipartisan Senate bill. He argued that Harris recognizes the need for order and dignity in the treatment of migrants.
Vance remained unconvinced, accusing Harris of changing her stance on immigration for political reasons and pointing to her previous statements in support of reversing Trump's border policies. He maintained that the Biden-Harris administration's record on immigration has had severe consequences for American communities.
Vance and Walz Spar Over Immigration in Vice Presidential Debate
"It's got to stop. And it will when Donald Trump is president," Vance concluded.
A Harris campaign official told Fox News Digital that focus group reactions favored Walz's comments on immigration, particularly his criticism of Trump's failed promise to build a wall on the southern border.
