Mondaire Jones shifts stance on border security in political comeback

Mondaire Jones shifts stance on border security in political comeback

Former New York Representative Mondaire Jones is making headlines as he attempts to reclaim his seat in the 17th Congressional District. His recent statements on border security have raised eyebrows, particularly given his previous advocacy for defunding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This shift in position comes as Jones faces off against Republican incumbent Mike Lawler in the upcoming November elections.

Past Advocacy for Defunding ICE

In a 2020 Zoom call with the New York Immigration Coalition, Jones openly supported the idea of defunding ICE and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. He criticized his predecessor, Rep. Nita Lowey, for agreeing to increase ICE’s budget, stating, “I’m in support of that.” His commitment to providing a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. further solidified his progressive stance on immigration issues.

Jones’s previous remarks included a promise to fight for educational opportunities for undocumented residents and legal counsel for asylum seekers. He emphasized that everyone, regardless of immigration status, should have access to the same opportunities he enjoyed, citing his education at Stanford University and Harvard Law School.

Current Campaign and Shift in Position

Fast forward to his current campaign, and Jones is now advocating for bipartisan border security legislation. He claims this new approach is aimed at securing the border and increasing the number of border agents. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is also running ads that suggest Jones is committed to border security, a stark contrast to his earlier positions.

Lawler’s campaign has been quick to criticize Jones’s change in rhetoric, arguing that voters cannot trust him to genuinely support border security. Spokesman Chris Russell stated, “Mondaire Jones will say or do anything to get elected. In 2020, he said the reason he was running for office was to defund ICE and Border Patrol, which is nuts.” This statement encapsulates the skepticism surrounding Jones’s newfound stance.

Political Landscape and Implications

The political landscape in New York’s 17th Congressional District is highly competitive. The Cook Political Report has rated the race as leaning Republican, making it crucial for Jones to appeal to a broader electorate. His previous positions on immigration could alienate moderate voters who prioritize border security.

Jones’s attempt to distance himself from his past statements may be seen as a necessary strategy to regain his seat, but it raises questions about his authenticity. As he navigates this complex political terrain, the outcome of the election will likely hinge on whether voters believe his current rhetoric or remember his earlier commitments.