House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) drew attention this week after publicly stating that the southern border needs to be secured — a comment that comes despite years of criticism directed at Republicans for demanding the same.

“We need to secure the border and make sure that it is safe and strong,” Jeffries said during a press conference on Capitol Hill.

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The remark prompted confusion among critics, who noted that securing the border has long been a cornerstone of Republican policy, particularly under the Trump administration.

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Jeffries’ statement raised questions about whether Democratic leadership is shifting its messaging or struggling to find coherence on immigration policy.

His comment came amid internal tensions in the Democratic Party following recent debates over government funding and border security.

The press conference, which focused on several national issues, also brought renewed attention to the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of immigration enforcement, which has faced growing scrutiny.

While Jeffries acknowledged the need for border security, he did not offer specifics about what policy steps Democrats would take or whether they would support any measures backed by Republicans or President Donald Trump.

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Republicans were quick to point out that Jeffries’ statement appears at odds with prior Democratic messaging.

For years, leading Democrats have opposed stricter border measures, resisted efforts to expand physical barriers, and pushed back against increased deportations.

The southern border had seen record numbers of illegal crossings during Joe Biden’s term, with Customs and Border Protection reporting millions of encounters since 2021.

The Biden-Harris administration ended several Trump-era border policies early in his presidency, including the “Remain in Mexico” program and expanded construction of the border wall.

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President Trump has made border security a central focus of his second term, reintroducing measures aimed at curbing illegal immigration, increasing deportations, and tightening enforcement.

His administration’s policy changes have included partnerships with border states and the use of military-controlled land to increase deterrence and legal consequences for unlawful entry.

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Jeffries’ comments come at a time when Democrats have faced growing backlash from moderate voters and border state residents over the handling of immigration enforcement.

Recent polling has shown declining public confidence in the federal government’s approach to the issue, and Republicans have continued to press for broader reforms and increased enforcement.

During the same press conference, Jeffries was asked multiple times about Democratic Party unity following a contentious period in which House Democrats pushed back against Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for compromising on a government funding measure.

That deal, which avoided a shutdown, drew criticism from progressive members who argued that party leadership had conceded too much.

In response to repeated questions, Jeffries appeared visibly frustrated and gave no clear answers on the party’s direction or how Democrats plan to unify around key legislative goals.

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Other Democratic leaders, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) and Kamala Harris, have also faced scrutiny over vague or conflicting messaging on immigration.

Harris, who was tapped by Joe Biden in 2021 to lead border-related efforts, has provided limited public updates on policy progress.

Jeffries has not followed up on his remarks or clarified whether his call to “secure the border” represents a new legislative effort or a shift in Democratic policy.

As the 2025 legislative session continues, the issue of border security remains a central topic, with both parties under pressure to show results.

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