Demings Accused of Contributing to 'Border Crisis'

Given the growing concerns bipartisan lawmakers have shared regarding border crossings, the Biden administration's intention to end “Title 42” has caused an uproar. Title 42 is a pandemic border policy enacted by the Trump administration, which allowed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deport migrants, citing health concerns as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, as President Joe Biden (D) moves to end the policy, the Rubio campaign is directing blame to Florida Rep. Val Demings (D), accusing her of contributing to “the border crisis.”

In response to President Biden ending the policy, a number of states have sued the president. This includes Missouri, Arizona, and Louisiana. In contrast, the policy has been controversial with Democrats, who've been split on the issue.

After Rep. Demings was directly asked about Biden’s plan to end the policy, the Rubio campaign has expressed disappointment in her “sidestepped” response.

Ending Title 42, they argue, “is predicted to result in an influx of 18,000 illegal immigrants each day,” the team informed, saying that Demings has been a longtime supporter of ending the policy.

“Demings has vigorously opposed efforts to help border patrol secure the border,” the team argued, adding that “just last month, Demings voted for a funding bill that provided ‘no funding for additional immigration enforcement personnel’ or for new border wall construction.”

The team, as Senator Rubio has argued, accused Demings of supporting a “radical illegal immigration agenda,” saying that she wants “illegal immigrants voting, sanctuary cities, and a pathway to citizenship for gang members and sexual abusers.”

Elizabeth Gregory, the communications director for Marco Rubio for Senate, commented that “Val Demings’ support of ending Title 42 is no surprise when you look at her record of opposing border security.” Gregory added that “Demings’ refusal to treat the border crisis with the gravity it deserves proves she’ll side with Democratic leadership over the wellbeing of Floridians every time.”