Texas Governor Greg Abbott is once again talking tough on immigration, but some of the people who would ordinarily support stricter enforcement aren’t convinced by his latest message.
The reaction under a post discussing Abbott’s immigration stance on X was overwhelmingly critical, with several commenters accusing him of talking tougher as another election approaches. Others argue that they would rather see action than additional promises from a governor who first took office in 2015.
The video above was posted to the social media platform X by podcaster Benny Johnson, and reveals some insight into Texas’ SB4 Immigration Law.
Governor Greg Abbott has made immigration and border security defining issues of his administration, repeatedly clashing with the federal government over how the state can respond to people entering the country illegally.
His administration has also spent a significant amount of money on Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative that was launched in 2021 and stations troops on the southern border.
However, the criticism surrounding Abbott’s latest comments isn’t coming from people who are opposed to stricter immigration laws. Various supporters appeared frustrated that the governor hasn’t gone far enough, questioning why he hasn’t addressed certain issues earlier in his tenure.
Abbott’s rhetoric is also receiving additional scrutiny because he is seeking another term as governor. For some commenters, that timing has made anything he says feel less like a change in policy and more like an attempt to reassure conservative voters who believe Texas hasn’t done enough on immigration.
Comments and Reactions to Greg Abbott’s Immigration Push
Many of the reactions were skeptical of Abbott despite seemingly agreeing with his broader position on immigration. One person wrote, “He’s “saying” a whole lot these days… but we’ve had 12 years to see his INACTION on the items that he promised. That is how you know it is ELECTION TIME.“
Another person was similarly unconvinced, writing, “You’ve been hoodwinked, Benny. Tell me you’re running for re-election without telling me.” Some comments even characterized Abbott’s statements as “smoke and mirrors,” and only believe the governor if his promises “move from talk to action.”
The responses show an unusual problem for Abbott, as some of the loudest criticism isn’t coming from Texans demanding a softer immigration policy, but from those who want him to go even further than he claims he has. As his latest comments circulate online, Texans continue to debate whether Abbott is preparing to deliver the action they’re demanding or simply offering another election-year promise.
