Mayor Jaime Escobar Jr. would often observe individuals running through the historic downtown plaza in Roma, Texas from his city hall office. These individuals, including families who had just crossed the Rio Grande into the U.S., would often surrender to Customs and Border Patrol officers waiting at the edge of the river. Escobar noted a steady increase in these activities during the Biden administration, attributing it to the broken immigration system.
Escobar, a supporter of Trump and a Democrat voter for other positions, expressed satisfaction with the decrease in illegal crossings under Trump’s presidency. He highlighted that the situation had improved significantly in Roma, a sentiment echoed by other Trump supporters in southwest Texas.
Starr County, predominantly Hispanic, saw a shift towards Trump in the 2024 election due to his promises of immigration reform and economic affordability. While Trump’s policies resonated with some voters, there was a lingering concern about living costs and job availability in the area.
Despite the decrease in apprehensions at the southern border, residents of Starr County noticed a reduction in drug trafficking incidents. Split voters like Jorge Bezan, a Democrat who supported Trump, emphasized the positive impact of Trump’s policies on their community’s safety.
While Trump supporters praised his immigration stance, critics like Mindy Garza expressed concerns about ICE’s treatment of Hispanic individuals. Economic challenges, including fluctuating prices and reduced business traffic, were also observed in the community.
Overall, Trump’s supporters remained satisfied with his policies, especially on immigration, while critics maintained their reservations. The community remained divided on Trump’s impact, with differing opinions on whether his actions had improved or worsened the situation in Starr County.