Residents living near the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas have voiced their opposition to a planned visit by former President Donald Trump, branding him a “traitor” amid growing tensions over immigration policies and border security. Local residents and members of the Eagle Pass Border Coalition have made it clear that they do not welcome Trump’s visit, stating that it brings no advantages to the community and is perceived as a tactic to divert attention. They are unhappy with Trump’s approach to immigration matters and consider his visit unwarranted. Trump’s visit to Eagle Pass is juxtaposed with President Joe Biden’s visit to Brownsville, highlighting the contrasting strategies of the two administrations on border issues. One individual from the coalition stated, “(Trump is) ‘Not welcome here and you know it. Not a leader but a loser. Not a president, but a contender. Not a rebel but a threat. Not a friend but an enemy. Not a patriot but a traitor.’ Eagle Pass deserves better. Maverick County deserves better. Texas deserves better. America deserves better. We deserve better.”
Local residents and coalition members have labeled Trump’s planned visit as “a bold effort to divert attention from his upcoming legal battles,” pointing to his legal issues and using immigration as a key focus to appeal to supporters ahead of the November elections. The coalition also criticized Governor Abbott for his brief visit to Eagle Pass, viewing it as a superficial political maneuver. Abbott’s actions are seen as representative of broader dissatisfaction with political leadership. The post also highlighted previous conflicts between Abbott and the Biden administration, such as legal disputes, as contributing to the current discontent among residents.
The post on Facebook questioned whether Trump would take the time to visit historic sites and engage with church leaders, show respect for the diverse culture of Eagle Pass, and address the various challenges facing the border community, including trade, security, environment, and immigration. The post expressed concerns that Trump might instead resort to spreading lies, insults, and conspiracy theories, further dividing the community.
