In a post-election briefing hosted by Houston Ethnic Media on Nov. 12, academic experts and policy advocates gathered to analyze the implications of the recent election. Titled “One Week Later – Reflections and Insights on the 2024 Elections,” the event brought together panelists Dr. Carla Brailey, Dr. Jeronimo Cortina, and Kristin Etter to discuss key issues likely to shape Texas in the coming years, including mass deportations, women’s rights, and the evolving political landscape for ethnic communities.
Texas as the Epicenter
Kristin Etter, Director of Policy and Legal Services at the Texas Immigration Law Council, outlined a pressing concern regarding the potential for mass deportations under the new administration, identifying Texas as central to these efforts. Highlighting the infrastructure already established through Operation Lone Star, Etter warned of the readiness of the state to facilitate mass deportation campaigns.
“We anticipate that Texas will be the epicenter of the mass deportation campaign,” Etter said, emphasizing the infrastructure built under existing state policies. She pointed to the network of detention facilities, military bases, and temporary processing centers that are “very easy to transition into this federal kind of deportation.”
Etter addressed two key legislative measures with immediate relevance to immigrant communities:
- Education Restrictions for Undocumented Children: A newly proposed bill could deny public K-12 education to undocumented children. Etter shared concerns, noting, “This bill could pass, denying thousands of children access to public education and further isolating immigrant communities.”
- Senate Bill 4 (SB4): Originally passed in 2023 but tied up in litigation, SB4 would deputize local law enforcement and judges to act as immigration agents. Etter explained, “We anticipate SB4 coming back into effect in the next few months,” highlighting its potential role as a “sweeping enforcement mechanism” for deportation efforts.
Etter also described how these deportation efforts extend beyond border enforcement: “We’re not talking about just people who are trying to enter the border … we’re also talking about thousands of people who are lawfully here,” she said, referencing individuals protected under policies such as DACA or parole programs.
Economic and Social Ramifications for Texas
Etter further warned of the repercussions mass deportations could have on Texas’ economy, particularly in key industries reliant on immigrant labor, such as agriculture, construction, and service sectors.
“If you remove that labor force, we believe the economy in Texas will begin to tank,” she said. Etter added that industries dependent on immigrant labor “have thrived because of immigrant labor” and predicted widespread consequences for both the state and its residents.
Latino Voters’ Reactions to Immigration Policies
Dr. Jeronimo Cortina, an associate professor of political science at the University of Houston, analyzed the Latino community’s response to immigration policies and the election.
“There’s a misconception that Latinos uniformly oppose deportations,” Cortina explained, emphasizing that Latino voters often approach immigration enforcement from diverse perspectives.
Cortina tied these reactions to economic pressures, particularly inflation. “It’s a matter of voters being fed up with inflation and blaming someone,” he said. Cortina noted that Donald Trump’s campaign resonated with certain Latino voters due to its emphasis on economic recovery, though reactions varied depending on cultural and economic contexts.
Women’s Rights and Reproductive Health in Texas
Dr. Carla Brailey, a Rice University Baker Institute Fellow and associate professor at Texas Southern University, discussed the implications of the election on women’s rights, especially in the realm of reproductive health care.
“I think that Texas is the pilot study. Texas is ground zero,” Brailey said, expressing concern over Texas being a testing ground for restrictive policies on women’s health. She drew particular attention to the potential consequences for Black maternal health, adding, “Black mothers are three times more likely to experience unfortunate circumstances in giving birth.”
Brailey emphasized the critical role of women in elections, particularly Black and Latino women. “We know that gender was on the ballot,” she said, highlighting their “powerful” influence in shaping Democratic victories.
Looking Ahead
The panelists collectively urged community members to remain engaged and vigilant as policies evolve. Etter called on Texans to reach out to their state representatives, especially as new legislation is expected to reinforce federal deportation initiatives.
“This is a time for action, for coalition-building,” Etter said, encouraging communities to highlight the economic and social benefits immigrants bring to Texas. She warned that the costs of mass deportations would be borne by all Texans.
In her closing remarks, Brailey appealed to hope and unity as tools to safeguard democratic principles. “We must remain hopeful,” she concluded, urging Texans to “continue to mobilize” and work toward an inclusive, equitable future.