“If we allow Border Czar Harris to win this election, every city, every community in this great country is going to go to hell.” This blunt warning from Paul Perez, the president of the National Border Patrol Council, set the tone at a rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona, as the powerful union representing U.S. Border Patrol agents unanimously endorsed Donald Trump for president.
The message was clear: Trump is the only candidate who can fix the crisis at the southern border and restore national security.
The endorsement came as part of Trump’s rally on October 13, 2024, where Perez addressed thousands of supporters, decrying the Biden-Harris administration’s failure to control illegal immigration.
He highlighted the crimes committed by unvetted migrants under their watch. “The untold millions of people… committing murders, rapes, robberies, burglaries, and every other crime will continue to put our country in peril,” Perez warned, adding, “Only one man can fix that, and that is Donald J. Trump.”
This endorsement from the NBPC is significant, as it represents more than 16,000 Border Patrol agents across the country. The union had previously endorsed Trump in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, marking a strong alliance with the former president, who has made border security a cornerstone of his campaign. Perez expressed the union’s deep faith in Trump’s leadership, stating, “He has always stood with the men and women who protect this border, who put their lives on the line for the country.”
Trump responded with gratitude, acknowledging the union’s unwavering support. “It’s a great honor,” Trump said. “They said it was unanimous. Thousands of people.” This overwhelming support from the NBPC stands in stark contrast to the Biden-Harris administration, which has faced sharp criticism for allowing millions of illegal migrants to enter the U.S. unchecked, leading to widespread crime and chaos, particularly in border states like Arizona.
The timing of the endorsement couldn’t be more crucial as the 2024 election approaches, with border security being a central issue in the race. Polls consistently show that voters trust Trump more than his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, when it comes to handling immigration and securing the border. Perez’s remarks directly targeted Harris, calling her border czar. “She has allowed criminal cartels to control the border,” Perez claimed, stressing that the choice in November’s election is stark: continued chaos or a return to law and order.
Trump has made immigration reform one of the central pillars of his 2024 campaign, vowing to take bold steps to protect America’s borders. During his speech at the rally, he promised to hire an additional 10,000 Border Patrol agents and immediately approve a 10% pay raise for all agents. “We will put an end to the disaster at the border,” Trump declared, pledging to crack down on drug cartels and human traffickers who have exploited the weaknesses in the current administration’s policies.
The former president’s strong rhetoric was well received by the crowd in Arizona, a crucial swing state. Arizona has been at the forefront of the border crisis, dealing with the surge of illegal immigration and the associated rise in crime. “The situation at the border is a nightmare,” said one rally attendee. “We need a president who’s not afraid to take action, and Trump has proven he’s the one to do it.”
For Trump’s supporters, the endorsement from the Border Patrol union is yet another indication that the country’s law enforcement agencies trust him to restore order. Perez echoed this sentiment, stating, “On behalf of the 16,000 men and women represented by the National Border Patrol Council, we strongly support and endorse Donald J. Trump for President of the United States.” This statement was met with resounding applause from the crowd, further solidifying Trump’s position as the candidate of choice for those concerned about national security.
The rally also served as an opportunity for Trump to blast Harris’s immigration record. He accused her of deliberately undermining border security and putting Americans at risk. “Under her watch, we’ve seen the largest surge of illegal immigration in our nation’s history,” Trump said, pointing to the millions of illegal migrants apprehended at the border since the Biden-Harris administration took office.
The border crisis has been a key issue throughout the Biden-Harris administration, with over seven million migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in just the last few years. Critics have repeatedly pointed to the administration’s reluctance to implement stricter border control measures, arguing that their policies have led to a surge in crime, drugs, and human trafficking. “It’s unacceptable,” Trump said. “We need strong leadership at the border, and that’s what I’m going to deliver.”
Trump’s proposal to hire more Border Patrol agents and offer pay raises resonated with the union members, many of whom have expressed frustration with the lack of resources and support under the current administration. Perez emphasized that Trump has always stood with the men and women on the front lines, stating, “He understands what it takes to keep this country safe.”
As Trump wrapped up his speech, he left the crowd with a final call to action: “This election is about the future of our country. We cannot afford to let Kamala Harris continue the destruction she has caused at the border. Together, we will make America safe again.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, reaffirming their support for Trump and the endorsement from the Border Patrol union.
