Texas – Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico criticized plans for a border wall through the Big Bend region, calling the project a waste of resources, while highlighting support from a Republican border sheriff for his proposed border security approach.
“A border wall through Big Bend would be a monument to corruption,” Talarico wrote on X. “Local law enforcement opposes it — because it won’t make anyone safe. It’ll only make out-of-state contractors rich. We don’t need a corrupt wall. We need common sense border security.”
Talarico’s comments came after he unveiled what his campaign called a “Commonsense Border Security Agenda,” which he said was developed with support from border leaders and law enforcement officials. His campaign highlighted an endorsement from Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, a Republican sheriff who serves in Terrell County, located along the Texas-Mexico border.
Cleveland, who has served as a law enforcement official in the Big Bend region, said political party affiliation should not determine how law enforcement approaches public safety.
“People often ask about political parties, especially during election season,” Cleveland wrote. “The truth is, while a Sheriff may choose a party to run under, the badge doesn’t see political affiliation, it sees people.”
He added that whether someone is Republican, Democrat, Independent, or unaffiliated, law enforcement’s responsibility remains the same: serving communities, protecting residents, and treating people fairly.
Talarico’s campaign promoted Cleveland’s support as evidence that his border proposal has bipartisan backing among officials who work directly on border security issues.
The border wall debate has remained one of the most politically divisive issues in Texas and nationwide. Republicans, including President Donald Trump and many Texas leaders, have argued that additional barriers along the southern border are necessary to reduce illegal crossings and strengthen immigration enforcement.
Democrats and some border officials have questioned whether physical barriers alone can address border challenges, arguing that resources should also focus on technology, staffing, ports of entry, and law enforcement operations.
The Big Bend region has been a particular focus of debate because of its remote terrain. Supporters of a wall argue that barriers can help deter illegal crossings, while opponents argue the geography makes construction difficult and expensive.
Talarico’s comments come as border security becomes a central issue in the 2026 Texas Senate race. Talarico, a state representative and former teacher, is challenging Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in a closely watched race that is expected to focus heavily on immigration, public safety, and the direction of the state.
Paxton and other Republican leaders have made border enforcement a major part of their political platforms, supporting increased barriers, expanded law enforcement resources, and policies aligned with the Trump administration’s immigration agenda.
Talarico has attempted to position himself as supporting stronger border enforcement while opposing what he describes as ineffective or wasteful policies. His campaign has argued that border security should focus on practical solutions rather than large infrastructure projects.
The endorsement from Cleveland gives Talarico an opportunity to highlight support from a Republican law enforcement official while making his case that border security does not have to be defined by party politics.
As the Senate race continues, immigration and border policy are expected to remain among the most important issues for Texas voters, with candidates from both parties seeking to present their approach as the best path toward improving security along the southern border.
