EAGLE PASS, Texas – KSAT visited Eagle Pass, a city at the epicenter of the immigration debate, for the tenth episode of “Your Voice, South Texas.”
Eagle Pass is the county seat of Maverick County, a former Democratic stronghold that supported Donald Trump in November. The county’s switch from blue to red marked the first time in more than 50 years that they elected a Republican presidential candidate.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 57,000 people live in Maverick County. In Eagle Pass, the population is closer to 28,000.
The city was overwhelmed in September 2023, announcing a state of emergency after almost 6,000 migrants crossed from Mexico into Eagle Pass over the course of two days. The move aimed to make city funds available for expenses related to the new arrivals. Months later, the Texas National Guard seized control of Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, an area considered a “hot spot” for border crossings, which fronts about 2.5 miles of the Rio Grande.
“For being such a small community, it was just…a little scary for a little bit. But with all the law enforcement presence that we already have and those that have come in to support our community, it feels safer,” said Selena Buentello.
In January 2025, before Trump’s inauguration, KSAT spoke with people at The Wagon Wheel, a restaurant about a mile from the border in Eagle Pass.
“If we enforce our immigration laws, we would not have an issue with everything that’s going on,” said Liz Lerma, 57, a former supervisor with the U.S. Border Patrol.
“I want lowering down the inflation on everything. Hopefully, prices go down on everything,” said Fabian Casares, 24.
“Not being able to pay and struggling throughout going to college. I think that’s something that scares me,” said Abby Morales, 17.
President-elect Donald Trump will take office on Jan. 20. After his 2024 re-election, he confirmed he would declare a national emergency once he’s in the White House to remove immigrants living in the U.S. without legal permission.
One woman told us she hopes Trump focuses on the needs of the people on the U.S. side of the border.
“Why are we more concerned about the people who are crossing over? People…need help with food, shelter, therapy,” said Leticia Perez, who’s also an advocate for survivors of domestic violence.
Click here for resources to help victims of domestic violence in Eagle Pass.