'Election year fearmongering': Texas Governor Greg Abbott sparks fury as he unveils Top 10 'most wanted' migrants list

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ignited a firestorm across social media platforms with his latest political stunt: the unveiling of a 'most wanted' list featuring criminal immigrants.

This action, coming hot on the heels of President Joe Biden’s new federal crackdown on asylum, has drawn sharp criticism and accusations of fearmongering during an election year, as reported by The Hill.

Greg Abbott introduces list of most dangerous criminal immigrants in Texas

On Wednesday, June 5, Governor Abbott introduced a list highlighting what he describes as the most dangerous criminal immigrants in Texas.

The list, developed in a joint effort with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), features ten Hispanic men, predominantly wanted for sexual misconduct. Abbott claims this measure is necessary due to the Biden administration’s failure to maintain effective border policies.

"When President Joe Biden took office, he dismantled every effective border policy his predecessor put into place," Abbott remarked.

"As a result, we have seen record high levels of illegal immigration, including dangerous criminals and terrorists who are a threat to the public safety of our state and our nation. These illegal immigrants will now be spotlighted on our 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List," he continued.

However, this move has faced intense backlash from Texas Democrats and immigration advocates, who argue that it is a political stunt aimed at demonizing immigrants and distracting from other issues. Representative Greg Casar questioned the governor’s motives, suggesting that the list serves as a diversionary tactic.

"The first thing that people should actually think when they see another stunt like this from Abbott is, what is he trying to cover up? What is he trying to have us pay attention to?" Casar expressed.

He added, "Because obviously, people who have been convicted of horrible crimes should be held accountable, and it’s up to law enforcement to detain them and punish them, right? Well, why is it that the governor of Texas has decided to have a whole political stance around something that law enforcement is already, you know, in cases where law enforcement already on the case?"

Critics argue that the list unfairly ties immigration to increased criminality—a link that numerous studies have debunked. Most research, including a seminal study by the Cato Institute’s Alex Nowrasteh using DPS data, indicates that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes compared to native-born citizens.

DPS Safety Director Steve McGraw defended the list, emphasizing the distinct threat posed by foreign-born criminals who enter the US illegally. "Criminals from around the world who enter the United States illegally and commit crimes in Texas are a threat to public safety," McGraw explained.

Greg Abbott's 'most wanted' criminal immigrants list draws flak online

The internet has been ablaze with harsh reactions to Abbott’s announcement of a 'most wanted' criminal immigrants list.

One X user said, "Election year fearmongering. Maybe you shouldn't have spent the last three years broadcasting to the world that the border is WIDE OPEN." While another remarked, "Here we go. Greg's police state." A third user commented, "Says the guy who pardons convicted murderers. Greg, you have no idea how you are seen by real Texans."

Another user posted, "Publicity stunt. You imply that US citizens or permanent residents on the most wanted list are not a priority?" A fifth user mentioned, "This seems useless. Much like you." One user wrote, "Yet you pardon criminals to put back on the street."

A seventh user stated, "Just refer to criminals if convicted of stuff, leave the rest aside... You sound like you're promoting bigotry and hatred.... And you pardoned a dangerous brutal murderer, so this seems like you're ok with crime if u like the person's politics. u making Texas an awful reputation."

Lastly, a user warned, "Your rhetoric may cause another Walmart shooting. That blood will be on your hands."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.