Kamala Harris Plans Arizona Border Trip as Immigration Debate Intensifies

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit the U.S. southern border this Friday during her trip to Arizona, according to a source familiar with her schedule. This will mark her first border visit since she became the Democratic presidential nominee in late July.

Immigration remains a pivotal issue in the 2024 election, with Republicans, led by Donald Trump, frequently criticizing Harris. They have falsely labeled her the “border czar,” holding her responsible for the ongoing border crisis. Harris, in response, has argued that it is the Republicans, and Trump in particular, who are to blame, citing their role in derailing the bipartisan border bill earlier this year.

As vice president, Harris has been tasked with addressing the root causes of migration, and she previously visited the border in 2021 after facing criticism for not doing so sooner.

Trump, reacting to Harris’ planned border visit in Arizona, dismissed it as politically motivated. He accused her of trying to “deceive the public” about her role in handling border issues.

“After nearly four years, Kamala Harris, who has been labeled the Border Czar, is finally making her way to our broken southern border for political reasons. It’s a disgrace that she waited this long,” Trump stated on social media, reiterating his hardline stance on immigration and migrants.

Although Harris previously visited the border during her tenure as vice president, this trip will be her first since launching her presidential campaign in July.

Trump has centered his 2024 campaign around immigration issues, promising stricter border policies, including mass deportations and closing the border. He himself visited the border last month, coinciding with Harris’ formal acceptance of the Democratic nomination.