In a notable shift in political strategy, Vice President Kamala Harris has recently intensified her focus on immigration, a topic previously dominated by Republicans.
As Harris prepares for a series of campaign events with her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, her campaign is banking on her record as a former attorney general to counter Republican critiques.
Harris, who served as California’s Attorney General before becoming Vice President, is highlighting her experience prosecuting transnational gangs and drug traffickers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
“The vice president has a compelling story to tell about prosecuting transnational gangs and drug traffickers,” a campaign official stated. “This record will make it harder for the Trump camp’s attacks on her to stick.”
The Democratic Party’s renewed emphasis on immigration comes after a period of relative silence on the issue. This shift follows increased Republican attacks linking Harris to ongoing migrant flows at the southern border.
Harris’s recent speeches, including one in Atlanta where she detailed her efforts against criminal enterprises, reflect this strategic pivot.
“The turning point” for this new strategy arose earlier this year when former President Donald Trump urged House Republicans to reject a bipartisan border funding bill negotiated in the Senate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., opposed the bill, preferring alternative legislation introduced in the House. This opposition fueled frustration among Democrats, leading to a strategic reevaluation.
Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., voiced his discontent, stating:
“We did not go into these negotiations thinking this was about politics. But after Republicans smashed it to pieces, we’d have been fools not to take the gift-wrapped political advantage.”
Following the Republican rejection of the Senate bill, Democrats focused on immigration during a special election in New York, where Democrat Tom Suozzi’s successful campaign was partly attributed to his emphasis on border issues.
The victory in New York signaled to Democrats that immigration could be a potent political tool. However, despite President Joe Biden’s efforts to address immigration and issue executive actions tightening border restrictions, polls indicated limited impact.
Now, Harris is positioned to make a stronger case, leveraging her prosecutorial background. At a recent rally, Harris sharply criticized Trump, stating:
“Donald Trump does not care about border security. He only cares about himself.”
In her role overseeing diplomatic efforts with Northern Triangle countries—Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador—Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration, including economic instability and natural disasters.
Although her efforts garnered private-sector commitments, the Biden administration faced criticism for not adequately addressing border issues.
Jodi Goodwin, an immigration attorney in Harlingen, Texas, emphasized the connection between long-term solutions and border conditions:
“If there’s an effective plan or policy to deal with ‘root causes,’ then that should alleviate the issues that we see at the border.”
As Harris continues to spotlight her border security credentials, her campaign hopes that her legal and political experience will bolster her position in the upcoming election.
