Summary
Texas Mayor Javier Villalobos expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy, saying it could harm the U.S. economy by removing immigrants who contribute by paying taxes. He supports deportation of dangerous individuals but believes law-abiding immigrants should have a chance to work legally. Villalobos calls for a practical immigration reform approach that considers the country’s labor needs.
Key Facts
- Mayor Javier Villalobos heads the city of McAllen in South Texas.
- Villalobos objects to mass deportations, fearing they may hurt the economy by removing tax-paying immigrants.
- In 2022, immigrants paid around $96.7 billion in taxes in the U.S.
- President Trump plans to execute the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, which could greatly impact agriculture.
- Villalobos suggests creating pathways for immigrants to work legally instead of deporting them.
- He criticizes immigration operations near sensitive areas like courtrooms, saying they deter people from attending legal proceedings.
- Villalobos advocates for gradual immigration reform starting with DACA and increased cooperation between Republicans and Democrats.
