The incoming political landscape in Texas is signaling a dangerous shift, as Democrat Lt. Gov.-elect Vikki Goodwin declared on national television that local law enforcement should cease "aiding and abetting ICE." Her remarkable statement, made during a Monday broadcast of NewsNation’s "Elizabeth Vargas Reports," reveals a chilling commitment to undermining federal immigration enforcement at a time when Texas's border is under unprecedented strain.
Goodwin didn't mince words when asked by host Elizabeth Vargas about the state's potential to wind down cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"Possibly," Goodwin stated, before launching into a critique of the vital 287(g) agreements. She claimed these agreements "force our local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE. And, meanwhile, they aren’t protecting their communities the way that they need to." The Democrat-elect then called for these agreements to be "undone," suggesting local police should only "take care of their communities" while ICE operates separately. This, of course, entirely misses the point: ICE is part of protecting communities by removing criminal illegal aliens and upholding national sovereignty.
Host Vargas, recognizing the familiar rhetoric, immediately pressed Goodwin, stating, "That sounds very similar to the sanctuary state policies of many blue states." Goodwin’s dismissive response? "Well, we just want to treat people humanely."
This "humanity" — a common refrain from the Left — often serves as cover for policies that dismantle law and order, encourage illegal immigration, and strain resources for legal citizens. It's a convenient label for policies that transform once-safe communities into havens for those who have violated our laws, all under the guise of compassion.
The 287(g) program is a critical tool that allows local law enforcement agencies to partner with ICE, empowering trained officers to identify and process illegal immigrants within their jails. Ending such agreements doesn't just "let local law enforcement take care of their communities"; it actively hobbles their ability to safeguard those communities from the ripple effects of an open border and the criminal elements exploiting it.
Goodwin's stance is a clear embrace of the radical Left's agenda, prioritizing illegal immigrants over the security and rule of law that American citizens and legal residents depend upon. It’s a dangerous path for Texas, directly challenging the principle of shared responsibility in securing our nation and ensuring that those who break our laws are held accountable. This isn't about humanity; it's about whether Texas will uphold the law or descend into the chaos of sanctuary policies.
