EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser is set to leave office within the next two months, making way for a new mayor and city council.
As the transition approaches, questions surrounding border security and migration policies are at the forefront, particularly following President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign promise to implement stricter border control measures.
In an interview with KTSM, Mayor Leeser shared his thoughts on the challenges the incoming leadership may face and offered advice on handling potential changes in immigration policy.
Leeser, who has served as mayor for the past eight years, navigated numerous migrant surges during his tenure, under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
Leeser said it is important to maintain strong relationships at various levels of government.
“We really have to work with the federal government and the state for support, because we don’t implement federal laws — that’s not for our local government to handle,” Leeser said.
“It’s important that we maintain strong partnerships with Border Patrol and Customs. They’ve been great partners, and we need to continue building on that relationship,” he added.
Leeser noted that his priority during periods of increased migration was to keep migrants off the streets by providing shelter and meals.
This effort was made possible through collaboration with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Border Patrol, and federal funding, Leeser said.
Regarding the city’s strategy for addressing future surges, Leeser reflected on his hands-on approach during his time in office.
“I met with Border Patrol agents so we could assess what was coming and coordinate with our NGOs and local leaders. I did that for months. Every night, I went to the airport, whether it was 11 at night or 4 in the morning, to see what needed to be done and what was ahead of us,” said Leeser.
He advised the incoming city council and mayor to maintain close collaboration with local, state and federal entities as border policies may shift.
Leeser also acknowledged the support El Paso has received from Governor Greg Abbott, who provided nearly $40 million in assistance to help the city manage migrant surges. He credited the Office of Emergency Management for its role in coordinating the city’s response efforts.
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