President Donald Trump made a significant announcement at a campaign rally in Prescott, Arizona, on Sunday, outlining a new plan to boost the United States Border Patrol. Trump proposed hiring 10,000 new agents and offering existing staff a 10% salary increase, alongside a $10,000 signing and retention bonus.
“I will always stand with the incredible men and women of the border control,” Trump told his Prescott, AZ audience on Sunday:
Border Patrol Endorsement
At the rally, Trump highlighted the recent endorsement from the National Border Patrol Council, which represents over 16,000 agents. “They have always stood with me,” Trump stated. In return, he pledged to support them with better resources and pay.
In his own words, Trump stressed the importance of morale, noting, “We have a tremendous shortage because they haven’t been treated right.” He added that the agents are committed to protecting the country but feel their hands are tied due to current policies.
Trump’s Plan to Secure the Border
In his speech, Trump directly addressed the challenges at the border, taking aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he criticized for her handling of immigration. He described her as “the worst in history” when it comes to border security, blaming her policies for the morale crisis among Border Patrol agents. Trump said, “We need to hire these agents to save our country.”
He vowed to ask Congress to approve the salary raise immediately after his victory, stating, “They deserve it. They’ve been treated unbelievably badly.” His plan would ensure that veteran agents remain in the force and that new recruits would have competitive incentives to join.
A Raucous Rally in Arizona
Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam reported a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Sunday rally. The crowd cheered as Trump discussed his plan, with many supporters waving signs and chanting for stronger borders.
Trump reiterated that immigration is a top priority for his campaign, stating, “We’re going to have our choice of great new agents. They’re going to protect our lives, protect our country.”
While some critics argue that the economy remains the top concern for voters, Trump made it clear that securing the border is just as critical, promising to end what he called “the chaos” at the southern border.
As the 2024 election approaches, Trump continues to position himself as the candidate who will restore order and safety to America’s borders.