Jun 23, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Kamala Harris to visit U.S.-Mexico border this week

Jacob Knutson

Vice President Harris speaking outside of Air Force Two in Atlanta, Georgia on June 18. Photo: Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

Vice President Harris will visit the U.S.-Mexico border while in El Paso, Texas, on Friday, Politico first reported and Axios confirmed.

Why it matters: Harris, who President Biden put in charge of solving the migrant surge at the southern border, has faced accusations of ignoring the crisis — primarily from Republicans — for not visiting the border.

Harris’ trip will come just days before former President Trump visits the border with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and several House Republicans, according to Politico.

She is expected to be accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The big picture: Harris has defended her lack of a visit by pointing out that her focus is on addressing the underlying causes of migration in Northern Triangle nations and Mexico.

The vice president visited Guatemala and Mexico earlier in June. During that trip, she met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to promote greater cooperation between the two countries on immigration.

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Kamala Harris to visit U.S.-Mexico border this week

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