South Texas Builders Association Vice Chair Benny Melendez warned Stephen Miller of political consequences over immigration enforcement. Speaking at a press conference, he accused Miller of harassing communities and warned of repercussions in the 2028 election. His remarks drew criticism from those who defended ICE raids and questioned the construction industry’s reliance on immigrant labor.
Addressing Miller directly, Melendez initially offered to work with him rather than continue the confrontation. “Stephen Miller, if you want to work with us in favor of our communities, we are more than ready.” He followed that invitation with a direct appeal: “Let’s work together.”
However, he warned that continued harassment would carry consequences beyond the communities affected. “But if you want to continue harassing our communities, prepare yourself,” he declared. Melendez warned Miller he could lose his job and linked the dispute to the 2028 presidential election. He said those same communities would “make sure you lose the White House.”
Benny Melendez Faces Backlash Over Stephen Miller and ICE Enforcement
The response on X was divided over immigration enforcement, with critics questioning Melendez’s warning and others defending Hispanic workers.
One critic challenged his description of immigration enforcement, asking, “Enforcing U.S. federal law is now ‘harassment’?”
Others focused on the construction industry. “Start prosecuting the companies that hire illegal aliens!” another response demanded.
Support for Miller was equally direct. “As a Texan I stand with Miller. I want all illegals out of my state and out of my country!!!” one person wrote.
Another turned the electoral warning against Republicans, stating, “If @Republicans don’t start deporting in mass, we’ll make sure they lose the White House”
However, some defended immigrant workers. “As a Republican, I don’t like the targeting of Hispanic immigrants who outwork 99% of the US population,” one response stated.
Another challenged assumptions about the communities involved, writing, “If you’ve never been to Texas, those are called, ‘Tejanos.’ They’re American citizens and legal immigrants who have lived here for decades.”
Melendez offered to work with Miller, but his remarks established no agreement between them. Whether the immigration dispute will affect the 2028 election remains uncertain.
