Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit the southern border in Douglas, Arizona, on Friday, marking her second trip since being appointed as Biden’s Border Czar.
This visit comes as the 2024 election looms, and is drawing attention, especially from conservative critics who argue that Harris has largely ignored border issues.
According to a local Arizona media outlet, Harris’s visit will be her first to the border since becoming the Democratic nominee. However, some have pointed out that it’s also her first trip to the border since 2021.
During her 2021 visit to El Paso, Texas, reports surfaced that the area had been “sanitized” for Harris’s appearance.
Border Patrol agents claimed they were instructed to clear the streets of migrants and relocate them to hotels for the photo op.
This time, Harris is scheduled to visit Douglas, Arizona, a small town about two hours southeast of Tucson. Details about the visit remain sparse, but the selection of Douglas has raised questions.
Critics note that Harris is bypassing more populated areas like Phoenix and Maricopa County, which account for over 60% of Arizona’s population.
Some conservative voices, including Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam, suggest that Harris may be seeking an endorsement from Douglas Mayor Donald Huish, a Republican.
While this claim hasn’t been confirmed, Bergquam speculates that any potential endorsement could be controversial, asking, “How much did it cost?” He also encouraged locals to voice their opinions to the mayor’s office, with contact information being shared online.
Supporters of former President Donald Trump are already preparing to make their presence known during Harris’s visit.
Some are organizing rallies in Douglas to show support for Trump and protest what they view as the Biden administration’s failures on immigration.
Ben Bergquam shared a video on social media highlighting preparations for a “MAGA welcome” in Douglas, with locals gearing up for what they anticipate will be a staged visit by Harris.
Locals on the ground in Douglas, Arizona ready for a #MAGA welcome for #CartelKamala tomorrow! @TaiDecker #Trump2024 #Lake2024
Law & Border – Real America’s Voice News @RealAmVoice @KariLake pic.twitter.com/YPhASdIj4k
— Ben Bergquam – Real America’s Voice (RAV-TV) News (@BenBergquam) September 27, 2024
Harris’s border visit comes at a critical time, just weeks before the 2024 presidential election.
Her appearance in Douglas is being closely watched as the Biden-Harris administration faces ongoing criticism for its handling of border security.
With record numbers of illegal crossings and a surge in human trafficking, Harris’s role as Border Czar has been called into question by both conservatives and border-state residents.
Additionally, reports have emerged alleging that non-citizens and illegal immigrants in Arizona have been registered to vote, raising concerns about election integrity.
While it remains to be seen whether these claims will play a role in the election, Harris’s visit to a border town during such a contentious time is sure to draw attention from both supporters and critics.
