Vice President Kamala Harris is finally taking a trip to the southern border, claiming she will address the fentanyl crisis that has devastated American families. But for many, her sudden attention to the border crisis feels like little more than a political move as she prepares for a 2024 presidential run.
Harris, who was appointed by President Joe Biden to manage the border in 2021, spent most of her time in office avoiding the issue altogether. Drug-related deaths surged under her watch, with over 325,000 Americans dying from overdoses between 2021 and 2023. Critics say her administration’s open border policies have allowed dangerous drugs like fentanyl to pour into the country.
Anne Fundner, a grieving mother who lost her son to fentanyl poisoning, testified before Congress that Harris’ failure to secure the border played a direct role in her son’s death. “I hold Joe Biden and Kamala Harris directly responsible for my son’s death,” Fundner said. Her sentiments are echoed by many Americans who feel that the Biden-Harris administration has turned a blind eye to the border crisis.
Even fellow Democrats have noticed Harris’ inconsistency on immigration. CNN’s Jake Tapper highlighted her 2019 stance, when she supported decriminalizing border crossings to appease her party’s progressive wing. Now, as she aims to win over moderates and independents, Harris is feigning concern about the border.
Harris’ sudden shift suggests that she’s more focused on politics than practical solutions. Once the election passes, many fear her attention to the border will disappear just as quickly as it arrived.
