Mayor Jaime Escobar Jr. often observed individuals dashing through the historic downtown plaza from his city hall office in Roma, Texas. Families, just having crossed the Rio Grande, would gather there to begin the asylum-seeking process. Escobar noted a noticeable rise in activity during the Biden administration, attributing it to the broken immigration system.
A proud advocate of law and order, Escobar acknowledged the lack of accountability and open borders before Trump’s re-election, which led to a decrease in illegal crossings in Roma. Despite being a split voter who supported Trump for president while favoring Democrats in other positions, Escobar remains content with his choice.
Starr County, where Roma is located, experienced a shift in political landscape during the 2024 election, with Trump winning over voters with promises of immigration reform and economic relief. The county, predominantly Hispanic, saw a surge in support for Trump due to economic challenges under the Biden administration.
While some residents laud Trump’s policies for reducing illegal crossings and enhancing security, others like Mindy Garza express concern over ICE’s treatment of Hispanic individuals. The cost of living remains a persistent issue in Starr County, affecting residents like Diana Bacela, who struggle to make ends meet.
Despite mixed opinions on Trump’s immigration and economic policies, Trump supporters in Starr County remain satisfied with the changes brought about during his term. Divisions persist between Trump and Harris voters, with little common ground beyond acknowledging the importance of affordability. The community’s political tensions from the 2024 election continue to shape perceptions of the current administration.