Border town residents react to President Trump's immigration executive orders
Eagle Pass homeowner tears down property due to illegal migrants
FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia reports on an Eagle Pass resident saying illegal migrants forced her to tear down both homes on her property.
President Donald Trump signs executive orders relating to the border
EAGLE PASS, Texas - President Donald Trump has signed executive orders aimed at immigration and border security, prompting mixed reactions from residents in border towns like Eagle Pass, Texas.
Residents of border towns, who largely supported President Trump's campaign promises, are beginning to see changes with the signing of new executive orders on immigration and border security. Wendy Garcia, a homeowner in Eagle Pass, has experienced firsthand the challenges of living near the border.
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What they're saying:
Garcia recently had to demolish two properties on her land due to repeated trespassing and vandalism by undocumented migrants. "I bought this property probably two years ago," Garcia said. "Eventually, there were a lot of illegals staying here, trashing those buildings."
The proximity to the border poses unique risks for residents like Garcia, who expressed concerns about safety. "It is a concern for safety. It’s a concern for the community," she noted. "You never know what type of people are coming in."
Despite the destruction of her homes, Garcia remains hopeful about the changes President Trump will implement. "We do have that fear of who is coming over, who is crossing, but I am glad that something is going to be done about that," she said. "If mass deportation is the answer, something has to be done."
However, Garcia also expressed some reservations about the broader implications of Trump's policies. "I do fear for the lives of the people that have to go back to their countries, but we also have to think about the lives here in the United States," she added.
RELATED: Trump executive action attempts to end birthright citizenship
Trump signs immigration Orders
What we know:
With the stroke of a pen Monday afternoon, Mr. Trump made quick work to crack down on the border.
"You’re witnessing the dawn of the golden age of America. That’s what it’s going to be," he said: "We’re gonna bring it back. We’re gonna bring it back fast."
Trump first signed several executive orders in front of a crowd before signing a pile of executive orders from the Oval Office, including an order calling for the end of birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
The move will likely be challenged in court since birthright citizenship is enshrined in the constitution.
"We think we have grounds," he said. "We could be wrong, but you'll find out."
Trump also signed an order designating cartels as "terrorist organizations" and an emergency declaration on the border, opening up the use of military assets.
The president also revoked several actions taken by the Biden administration, including shutting down the use of a border app called CBP One, which allowed migrants to secure appointments for admission into the United States.
Hundreds of people received notices that their appointments at all eight border ports of entry in the southwest were canceled.
According to the New York Times, the acting head of the immigration court system and three others have already been fired.
The crackdown on immigration continued with Texas Governor Greg Abbott announcing more buoys were installed on the Rio Grande.
The state had been in a legal battle with the Biden administration over the buoys. However, that fight is not expected with the Trump administration.
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What's next:
There are also plans for large-scale deportation raids starting this week.
The president's new border czar initially said Chicago was one of the first targets, but he’s recently said the administration is reconsidering details of the planned raids there due to media coverage.
Trump could face legal push back
What we don't know:
The day after President Trump signed an executive order that aims to end birthright citizenship, a group of 18 Democratic state attorneys general joined the legal fight to block the move, describing it as unconstitutional.
Democratic state attorneys general from New Jersey to California signed on to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in Massachusetts. The city of San Francisco and Washington, D.C., also are suing.
During a press conference Tuesday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta described Trump's order as "a terrifying tone to set for his second term," adding, "I have one message for President Trump, I'll see you in court."
On Monday, in a separate legal action, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking Trump's order. "Denying citizenship to U.S.-born children is not only unconstitutional — it's also a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values," said Anthony D. Romero, ACLU's executive director, in a statement.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War, stipulates that all persons "born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof" are automatically citizens.
The Source: FOX 26 Reporter Jonathan Mejia is in Eagle Pass, Texas with reaction.