In a recent episode of War Room, Steve Bannon engaged Texas Sheriff Roy Boyd in a conversation underscoring the necessity of collaboration with federal authorities for the deportation of undocumented immigrants. “Texas is the railhead of MAGA,” Bannon proclaimed, positioning the state as a pivotal player in the movement.
Amidst the ongoing legislative tug-of-war in the Texas House and Senate over the contentious bill known as 287g, Bannon expressed bewilderment: “Why is this even a controversy in Texas, given the strong support for President Trump and the MAGA agenda among the patriotic populace?”
Boyd offered a sobering perspective, noting that while Texas boasts a conservative reputation, rapid urbanization threatens its traditional values. “We are becoming urbanized at an alarming rate, and if we’re not vigilant, we risk becoming the next California in the next 15 to 20 years,” he cautioned.
He further dissected the political landscape, asserting that the state legislature does not reflect the true conservative ethos most Texans hold dear. “Many candidates run under the Republican banner, yet their actions suggest they do not embody true conservative principles,” Boyd explained, highlighting a disconnect between campaign rhetoric and legislative action.
While placing some blame on legislators, Boyd also acknowledged that law enforcement shares a significant part of the responsibility regarding immigration law enforcement. “It’s not solely the fault of the legislature; many sheriffs resist being directed by higher authorities,” he remarked. Under the current provisions of bill 287g, participation in the program is not obligatory for counties with populations under 100,000, complicating enforcement efforts.
Bannon probed deeper into the relationship between law enforcement and federal entities, questioning the necessity of legislative frameworks for cooperation. “Why can’t you work hand in glove without needing a bill?” he asked, to which Boyd candidly replied, “Your guess is as good as mine. There’s a broad spectrum within law enforcement; some sheriffs view their role as a pinnacle of their careers and may become complacent.” He added that some officials find themselves overwhelmed by the challenges they face, akin to a dog catching a car and then struggling to keep up.
Boyd also expressed concerns regarding the Border Sheriff’s Coalition, suggesting that their focus on securing federal funding eclipses the imperative to disrupt cartel activities along the border. “They seem more interested in financial support than in taking decisive action against the cartels, which we’ve witnessed firsthand,” Boyd concluded.
Watch the full conversation: