Sen. José Rodríguez statement on the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Homeland Security hearing
AUSTIN - Senator José Rodríguez issued the following statement following testimony at theSenate Committee on Agriculture and Homeland Security hearing today:
Among the comments we heard today, more than once, witnesses inaccurately referred to the border as a “war zone.” Although there are localized “hot spots” along parts of the U.S.-Mexico border, this is a vast and diverse region with millions of residents and, in no way, can it be characterized as a ‘war zone.’ As shown by FBI Uniform Crime statistics, El Paso is safer than any other large city in Texas. In addition, police data show border communities are safer than other Texas cities.
On the issue of sanctuary cities, not one law enforcement official testified in support of allowing local police or deputies to get involved in the business of enforcing federal immigration laws.
Our border communities present opportunities, not threats, to Texas. In fact, trade and commerce with Mexico supports more than 450,000 jobs in Texas, nearly 100,000 of them in El Paso alone.
When we allow the ‘war zone’ label or similar rhetoric about the border region to remain unchallenged, it hurts all of us. Negative and inaccurate depictions of our communities undermine the reputation of our law enforcement and business leaders who work every day to keep our neighborhoods safe and to promote much needed economic development.
I’m looking forward to expanding opportunities along the border and the state as a whole, and moving away from the divisive rhetoric that incorrectly defines our border communities.
The hearing is still taking place now and can be accessed via www.senate.state.tx.us/bin/
Following the hearing, the video will be archived at www.senate.state.tx.us/
The Committee was hearing testimony on the following charges:
- Monitor the state’s efforts to secure the border, including the state’s increased investment in border security during the 83rd legislative session. Examine the most effective methods to address the evolving threats with securing the border and evaluate policies that deter illegal immigration and assist in border security efforts, including prohibiting sanctuary cities and requiring electronic verification of worker status. Make recommendations on the most effective policy options to prevent and stop illegal entry into Texas at the border and to deter transnational and drug-related violence and crime. Examine the implementation and effectiveness of the recent Department of Public Safety surge operation on the border and make recommendations on options for the improvement and expansion of future surge operations.
- Study the current practice of reporting crime statistics in Texas, including border security crime statistics. Examine the different indices currently utilized and identify potential barriers regarding statewide adoption of a more comprehensive system. Determine whether current crime statistic reporting accurately measures all crime and whether it adequately measures crimes related to illegal border activities. Make recommendations on how to best take advantage of the available crime data maintained by modern law enforcement record systems and recommend any additional crime data that would improve law enforcement and border security efforts.
- Study and make recommendations on removing barriers to Second Amendment Rights, including but not limited to open carry legislation. Consider other state laws related to open carry.
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José Rodríguez represents Texas Senate District 29, which includes the counties of El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis and Presidio. He represents both urban and rural, and more than 350 miles of Texas-Mexico border. Senator Rodríguez was elected in 2010; in addition to chairing the Senate Hispanic Caucus, he is Vice Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee and is a member of the Criminal Justice, Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, and Government Organization committees.
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