Congressman Henry Cuellar said increased immigration enforcement at construction job sites is creating widespread economic disruption across the Rio Grande Valley, warning that the impacts extend far beyond individual workers.
Cuellar, who represents Texas’ 28th Congressional District, made the remarks Monday while attending the South Texas Builders Symposium in McAllen. The event, titled “Immigration Enforcement & Construction Industry Impact Symposium,” brought together builders, contractors, and industry leaders to discuss how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity is affecting the regional construction workforce.
“It’s having an impact on every part of the building community, from the suppliers, cement, lumber, to the builders and the contractors, to the lenders, to the workers,” Congressman Cuellar said. “These are people who don’t have criminal records. These are people who have been here for a long time. These are not the people who just crossed over last year. These are people who have been here for a long time.”
Cuellar emphasized that labor shortages tied to enforcement actions are slowing projects and increasing costs across the construction supply chain, which plays a major role in South Texas’ economy. He noted that uncertainty surrounding job-site enforcement has made it more difficult for contractors to plan schedules, secure financing, and retain experienced workers.
During his visit, the congressman reiterated his belief that immigration enforcement efforts should focus on criminals and individuals who pose national security risks, rather than long-standing members of the workforce.
“Having a pathway through a visa that is getting them to expand, the H-2B, which is something I’ve added in the appropriations, to a lot more people, seasonal workers,” Congressman Cuellar said. “But the construction workers and the builders, a few years ago, I almost had something in appropriations, but it didn’t work out in the Senate. We’re hoping that we can work that out.”
Cuellar said he remains committed to working across party lines to address labor challenges facing the construction industry, adding that collaboration will be necessary to develop immigration solutions that support economic stability while maintaining public safety.
He also said he is open to continued dialogue with the South Texas Builders Association and other industry stakeholders as they seek federal policy changes that would provide a more reliable workforce pipeline for construction projects across the Valley.
Originally reported by Jesse Mendez, Shirley Escobedo in Valley Central.
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