Political commentators have called the move a “manipulative fear-mongering stunt” in an election year when border security remains a top issue for voters.
HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott has released the “10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants” list, which the governor’s office described as a new effort to track down and arrest illegal immigrants wanted for dangerous crimes committed in Texas.
This is just the latest move in an election year in which border security remains a top concern for voters.
“This is fear-mongering,” said Mark Jones, a political scientist at Rice University.
The Texas Most Wanted list, posted online on the Texas DPS website, includes the names and photos of 10 men whom DPS considers the most dangerous criminal illegal immigrants. The last five men identified were wanted in the Houston area for crimes including child sexual abuse, murder and rape.
“This is a very smart political move by Greg Abbott,” Jones said.
Jones said Governor Abbott’s announcement isn’t just about catching dangerous criminals.
“At the end of the day, the Most Wanted list and the rewards will provide some information that will lead to the arrest of these individuals,” Jones said. “The real impact is not taking 10 felons off the streets, but making it clear to Texans that the Biden Administration has failed to secure the border and, as a result, there are dangerous criminals in Texas.”
The new Most Wanted list was released just one day after President Joe Biden announced a new executive order to halt asylum processing between ports of entry if the daily average number of illegal border crossings exceeds 2,500.
“Biden’s executive orders are also highly political,” Jones said.
Jones said Biden is also trying to score political points and prove he’s committed to border security ahead of his first presidential debate with Donald Trump, but he believes Abbott’s move on the new list is likely to have larger political implications.
“Republicans are going to win on the border and immigration,” Jones said.
KHOU 11 News attempted to speak with Gov. Abbott on Wednesday. A spokesman says the governor was not available. Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of these men.
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