Ted Cruz explodes at ‘ridiculous’ question about what Republicans have done to slow migration
An irate Ted Cruz lashed out at a Texas reporter Thursday night after asking him what Republicans had done to help create workable policies on the US-Mexico border.
The Texas senator, enraged, yelled that the reporter “should be ashamed” of his question, accusing him of “babbling” Democratic talking points and challenging him to statistics.
During the ill-tempered conversation, other reporters came to the defense of their fellow journalists, and Cruz then angrily waved them off.
Cruz was in the Texan town of Brownsville, which borders the Mexican town of Matamoros, to witness the scenes when Title 42 was lifted.
He hosted a press conference with Border Patrol members and issued a fervent condemnation of Joe Biden’s administration for allowing the chaos at the border.
Ted Cruz holds a press conference Thursday to discuss the state of the US-Mexico border, in Brownsville, Texas
On Thursday evening, Cruz predicted that the situation would worsen further
Derick Garcia (left) challenged Cruz (right) on Thursday: Cruz said his question was “ridiculous” and that he “should be ashamed”
When Cruz said there was a lack of policy, Derick Garcia, a reporter at CBS 4 News, asked what their alternative policy was.
“You voted against their policies several times,” Garcia said.
Cruz laughed in disgust at the question.
Garcia continued, “To the Republican members here today, what specifically did you do to help Joe Biden end this situation?”
Cruz, visibly angry, replied, “Okay, so that’s a ridiculous and silly question. I want to commend you for being the media and proclaiming democratic policies. So let me ask you something.’
Another reporter defended Garcia, saying, “Come on, man. This has been going on for 20 years.”
Cruz replied, “Okay. Let me ask you something. How much illegal immigration did we have in 2020? Do you know something? I asked you a question.’
Garcia replied, “How long have you been in office?” – to which Cruz replied 11 years.
Garcia pointed out that the situation was problematic “for multiple administrations.”
Cruz said, “You can’t argue with me. You have asked your question. If you want to hold a press conference, you can do it there.’
Cruz expressed anger, accusing the Biden administration of deliberately creating the situation, describing it as a mockery. He was also furious with reporters
Cruz thanked Border Patrol and Troopers stationed along the border for their help, calling them “heroes”
Cruz characterized the situation at the border as “an invasion” and accused the Biden administration of wanting to increase numbers, while praising Border Patrol
Cruz characterized the situation at the border as an invasion and accused the Biden administration of wanting the numbers to increase
Cruz spoke to members of the US Border Patrol and praised their efforts
He continued, “The talking point of the Democrats, which this reporter likes to ponder, is, God, this problem cannot be solved.
“There’s one problem with that: it’s an utter and complete lie.
In 2020, the last year of the Trump presidency, we had the lowest illegal immigration rate in 45 years.
“You ask what I have done? I’ve defended the Border Patrol men and women. I have advocated securing the border. I defended Remain In Mexico.
“And we turned this problem around and solved it.”
Cruz added, “Joe Biden inherited the lowest illegal immigration rate in 45 years. And the first day in office he made political decisions to cause this problem.
“And you should be ashamed of yourself because you’re a reporter and you don’t report facts. You tell lies.
Joe Biden made a political decision. And they turn a blind eye.’
Migrants are seen Friday being processed by Border Patrol agents at the Tijuana-San Diego border
Migrants wait to board a bus in Yuma, Arizona, on Thursday
A group awaits processing at the Ciudad Juarez-El Paso intersection on Friday
Cruz said he questioned Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in the Judiciary Committee six weeks ago.
Cruz asked him about the colored wristbands traffickers use to identify their “cargo”: Mayorkas said he had never seen them.
He said the traffickers left young men as cartel foot soldiers and young girls as sex slaves.
“The media doesn’t report on that,” he concluded.
‘You should be ashamed of yourself. This is bad. And the reason you don’t see any Democrats here is they can’t defend this.
They expect the press not to report it. It’s wrong.’
Garcia later defended his question, writing on Twitter, “It’s a legitimate question.
“Title 42 was supposed to end a year ago.
“Multiple attempts to direct aid, establish policies and strategies were answered with Nays.
“Some don’t like being asked what they did to solve it when they made millions from the ‘crisis’.”