In South Texas, the GOP immigration hard line is now political kryptonite

Politico

by By Samuel Benson and Liz Crampton

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In South Texas, Republican lawmakers are grappling with a political shift as backlash against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown threatens to alienate Hispanic voters—a key demographic for their re-election chances. Once confident in their hardline stance on immigration, which helped flip historically Democratic districts, figures like Rep. Monica De La Cruz and Rep. Tony Gonzales now find themselves walking a delicate line. While they continue to advocate for tougher enforcement against convicted criminal aliens, they are also softening their rhetoric, avoiding direct criticism of Trump’s aggressive deportation policies, and exploring more moderate approaches such as creating new visa categories for undocumented workers in industries like construction and agriculture. This pivot comes amid widespread outrage over Trump’s immigration enforcement operations, particularly following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by an immigration enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Polls indicate that Hispanic voters across the country are increasingly disenchanted with Trump’s policies, with many who supported him in 2024 now souring on his administration. This shift is particularly concerning for Republicans in South Texas, where nearly 80% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. Districts once seen as secure Republican strongholds, such as the 15th Congressional District, are now vulnerable to flipping back to Democratic control if Hispanic voters abandon the GOP. The stakes are high as Republicans navigate this tricky terrain. While they aim to distance themselves from Trump’s most extreme immigration measures without appearing disloyal, their success in retaining Latino support will be crucial for maintaining Trump’s 2024 gains and securing key battleground seats in Congress. The situation highlights the tension between political strategy and voter sentiment, with some critics arguing that the GOP has squandered a generational opportunity to build long-term Hispanic support. As Democrats eye these districts as prime targets for regain, the outcome of this political calculus will likely determine whether Republicans can sustain their recent electoral successes in South Texas—or if they face a significant setback in 2024.

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Originally published on Politico on 2/15/2026