Kamala Harris takes a tough stance on border visit amid election countdown

Vice President Kamala Harris made her first visit to the Arizona-Mexico border since becoming a Democratic presidential candidate, facing significant vulnerability as the November election approaches.

Harris, wearing sunglasses and a black jacket, interacted with U.S. Border Patrol agents in temperatures approaching 100 degrees. She breaks with President Joe Biden’s policies and is expected to call for tougher asylum restrictions, tackling a key issue where her rival, former President Donald Trump, has an advantage. Harris has faced relentless criticism from Trump and fellow Republicans over the administration’s record on migration.

Harris will outline a plan to expand restrictions on asylum claims, a campaign official said. During her visit, she met with local officials, including Mayor Donald Huish and Senator Mark Kelly, highlighting the importance of immigration and border security in Arizona, a critical battleground. Harris wants to improve her political position on this issue and defuse Trump’s attacks in the run-up to the elections.

Harris also reminded voters of her record as California’s attorney general in prosecuting transnational crime along the border. Florida Democratic Rep. Maxwell Frost said Harris’ push for stricter enforcement is a response to the current humanitarian crisis at the border. The vice president’s visit to Douglas highlights immigration as a central issue in the campaign, just weeks before Election Day.

(With input from agencies.)