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In Pharr, Texas, construction industry leaders have sent a strong message to lawmakers: halt the mass deportation of immigrant workers or face electoral consequences in the upcoming November midterm elections. This urgent plea emerged during a gathering hosted by the South Texas Builders Association and the American Business Immigration Coalition Action, where industry representatives voiced their concerns regarding labor shortages exacerbated by recent immigration enforcement actions.
For months, the South Texas Builders Association has sounded the alarm over the chilling effect that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has had on immigrant workers, leading to significant labor shortages and delays in construction projects. The recent tragic death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a construction worker fatally shot by an ICE officer, has intensified scrutiny on ICE’s enforcement tactics and reignited calls for protective measures for immigrant laborers.
“I want to send a clear warning to every political leader: If you don’t stop the worksite raids and mass deportations, and if you don’t pass work permits for long-term, law-abiding immigrants, you will lose,” stated Massey Villarreal, CEO of Precision Task Group. Villarreal, a Republican and co-chairman of the Comité de 100, emphasized the need for bipartisan support for immigration policies that ensure both border security and a pathway to legal status for workers.
Villarreal underscored the personal impact of ICE’s actions, urging Latino communities in Texas to recognize these enforcement measures as direct attacks on their community. “I won’t tolerate it, even in our own party,” he asserted.
Ronnie Cavazos, chairman of the South Texas Builders Association, shared his personal connection to the issue, recalling his father’s immigrant experience. He lamented the loss of Salgado Araujo, who was killed while commuting to work, questioning the community’s support for policies that led to such tragedies. “Let’s be real, we voted for it. So whose fault was it?” he asked, emphasizing the necessity for political accountability and urging constituents to vote for change.
Cavazos expressed his determination to remember Salgado Araujo at the ballot box in November, reinforcing the sentiment that immigration reform should be a priority in the upcoming elections.
The political landscape in South Texas is particularly competitive, with key congressional races unfolding. Democratic incumbents U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez attended the meeting, reaffirming their commitment to limiting ICE operations to deport violent criminals and supporting work permits for immigrant laborers. Meanwhile, Republican U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, who did not attend the gathering, has previously indicated her support for legal status for construction workers and has engaged with the builders association on these issues.
De La Cruz has faced scrutiny for her past support of immigration funding legislation during the Trump administration, which some argue undermines her current advocacy. She is currently in a closely watched race against Tejano star Bobby Pulido, who has voiced his support for common-sense immigration reform that protects families and businesses alike.
Pulido, who was unable to attend the gathering due to travel delays, expressed his solidarity in a video message, emphasizing the need for immigration policies that foster community well-being.
While some attendees, like Andy Garza, expressed disappointment over the political nature of the meeting, they acknowledged the necessity of immigrant labor in construction and agriculture. Garza, a Trump supporter, noted that while he believes changes are needed, he advocates for the protection of working immigrants.
“Leave the people that are working, the construction workers, leave them alone. We need them,” he commented, highlighting the complex interplay between political beliefs and the practical needs of the workforce in South Texas.
Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
