Trump's Visit Welcomed by El Paso County Commissioner
In the wake of a tragic shooting in El Paso, Texas, that targeted the city's Hispanic community, local officials have expressed concern over President Donald Trump's upcoming visit and his rhetoric towards the city and Hispanic Americans.
Commissioner Vincent Perez, an El Paso county commissioner, has called for a strong condemnation from the President of racial terrorism and the El Paso shooting. He also hopes for a dramatic shift in President Trump's tone and word choice regarding El Paso and Hispanic Americans, fearing that his divisive and violent rhetoric could incite further violence.
However, President Trump has portrayed El Paso as one of the most dangerous cities in the country. This characterisation does not align with recent crime statistics and trends. In fact, juvenile crime in El Paso actually decreased in 2024, though there was a 21 percent increase in assaults on family members by juveniles from 2023 to 2024.
Broader crime rankings for Texas cities do not list El Paso among the most dangerous. Cities like South Padre Island and Balcones Heights have significantly higher crime rates, particularly for violent and property crimes. Local crime logs from the University of Texas at El Paso Police Department provide ongoing monitoring of incidents but do not suggest any alarming spike or extraordinary crime wave.
While border-related crimes and federal charges are active in the region adjacent to El Paso, these involve immigration and trafficking issues, which are often distinct from general city crime statistics.
Tito Anchondo, who lost his brother and sister-in-law in the El Paso shooting, has expressed a desire to speak with President Trump. However, Commissioner Perez has not heard the President personally condemn bigotry and white supremacy, despite the President stating that the nation needs to speak in one voice in condemning such acts.
Some people are calling for President Trump not to visit El Paso, while others are eager to hear his words of condolence and reassurance. The El Paso County Commissioners Court will be in session during President Trump's visit, keeping Commissioner Perez and his colleagues occupied with budget hearings.
As the city of El Paso continues to heal from the trauma of the shooting, the focus remains on promoting unity, safety, and understanding. Commissioner Perez's calls for a clear and strong condemnation of racial terrorism and the El Paso shooting serve as a reminder of the importance of these values in the face of divisive rhetoric.
[1] Source: El Paso Times, "El Paso crime statistics show decrease in juvenile crime, increase in family assaults" [2] Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, "2024 Texas Crime Statistics" [3] Source: University of Texas at El Paso Police Department, "Crime Log" [4] Source: El Paso Times, "Border Patrol arrests more than 1,000 immigrants in El Paso sector in one week" [5] Source: El Paso Times, "El Paso Sector sees increase in federal immigration cases"
- In light of the ongoing debate surrounding President Donald Trump's visit to El Paso and his rhetoric towards the city and Hispanic Americans, there is a growing concern among political circles about the potential impact of his divisive language on war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice within the community.
- With President Trump's portrayal of El Paso as one of the most dangerous cities in the country contrasting sharply with recent crime statistics, it raises questions about the relationship between policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news, particularly in regard to accurately representing the safety of a city and its residents.
