Mayor Jaime Escobar Jr. often observed individuals running through the historic downtown plaza in Roma, Texas, from his city hall office. Many of these individuals were families who had just crossed the Rio Grande into the U.S. Escobar noted a significant increase in such occurrences during the Biden administration, attributing it to what he perceived as a broken immigration system.
Escobar, a supporter of Trump in the presidential race, witnessed a decrease in illegal crossings under the former president’s administration. He expressed satisfaction with Trump’s approach to border security, emphasizing the importance of both immigration control and law enforcement.
In Starr County, where Roma is located, Trump’s promises of immigration reform and economic stability resonated with the predominantly Hispanic population. The county’s residents, facing economic challenges and limited job opportunities, found Trump’s policies appealing.
Despite the decrease in border apprehensions reported by CBP, some Starr County residents expressed concerns about drug trafficking and the impact of immigration policies on their community. While Trump supporters praised his efforts, critics, particularly Harris voters, remained skeptical and critical of his administration’s actions.
The community remained divided along political lines, with Trump supporters hopeful for continued positive changes and Harris voters expressing disappointment and concern. The stark political divisions and lingering tensions from the 2024 election were evident in conversations with residents, reflecting the ongoing polarization within the community.