Initially referred to as the “border czar” by multiple sources, media outlets like Axios and Time magazine now assert that Harris never held such a title.
When President Joe Biden took office, he tasked Vice President Harris with addressing the root causes of mass migration from Central and South America.
This assignment, however, has become a cornerstone of criticism from Republicans as the U.S. continues to grapple with a severe migrant crisis.
Republicans have long labeled Harris as the “border czar,” holding her accountable for the administration’s handling of immigration issues.
In March 2021, Biden publicly stated, “I’ve asked her, the VP, today — because she’s the most qualified person to do it — to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle and the countries that help — are going to need help in stemming the movement of so many folks, stemming the migration to our southern border.”
Despite this, media outlets are now distancing Harris from the “border czar” label, suggesting it is unfair to hold her solely responsible for the complex issue of illegal immigration.
Axios faced backlash after a new report claimed Harris never had the title of “border czar.”
Critics quickly pointed out that Axios had previously referred to Harris as being appointed to that very role by President Biden. The publication issued an editor’s note acknowledging the error, stating it had incorrectly labeled Harris in the past.
https://x.com/redsteeze/status/1816154326857048298
https://x.com/axios/status/1816078350659494130
https://x.com/mattdizwhitlock/status/1816085697545093196
Similarly, Time magazine published an article asserting that Harris was never in charge of border or immigration policy.
Instead, Time explained her role in addressing the root causes of migration from the Northern Triangle of Central America. The magazine downplayed the “border czar” moniker, focusing on Harris’ diplomatic efforts rather than direct oversight of border enforcement.
USA Today and PolitiFact also joined in, publishing pieces that refuted the claim that Harris was ever the “border czar.” USA Today conducted a fact check, stating that Harris’ work was focused on the root causes of migration, not direct management of the border.
PolitiFact labeled Republican claims about Harris as “mostly false,” clarifying that border security was under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security.
The timing of these media corrections has not gone unnoticed. With Harris now being the de facto Democratic presidential nominee following President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
Republicans are intensifying their efforts to link her to the administration’s immigration policies. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal in his criticism, accusing Harris of allowing millions of illegal immigrants to enter the country during her tenure.
Trump stated, “Harris was appointed ‘border czar’ in March of 2021, and since that time, millions and millions of illegal aliens have invaded our country and countless Americans have been killed by migrant crime because of her willful demolition of America’s borders and laws.”
Harris’ tenure as Vice President has seen her make only one visit to the southern border, in El Paso, Texas, in June 2021.
Critics argue that this visit was hastily arranged and did not reflect the true extent of the border crisis. Despite her efforts to invest in Central America and address the root causes of migration, the influx of migrants has continued, further fueling Republican criticism.
As Harris’ presidential campaign gains momentum, her handling of the border crisis will undoubtedly remain a focal point of political discourse.