McAllen Mayor Criticizes Trump's Deportation Plan

Javier Villalobos, the Republican mayor of McAllen, Texas, has voiced significant concerns regarding President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation plan, warning it could harm the U.S. economy. While Villalobos supports targeting violent criminals for deportation, he believes many undocumented immigrants contribute positively as productive workers essential for economic stability. He emphasized that a large portion of the agricultural workforce comprises undocumented labor, which is vital for the industry. Villalobos noted that mass deportations might not severely impact McAllen itself, as many migrants seek better-paying jobs elsewhere, but the broader implications could be detrimental. His comments align with apprehensions from various lawmakers and business leaders about the potential fallout from such policies, particularly post-COVID economic recovery efforts. Critics argue that if implemented, Trump's deportation strategy could disrupt supply chains and agricultural output significantly, with estimates suggesting a potential $30 billion drop in agricultural production.