Texas Democrats in Congress Split on Julián Castro’s Plan to Decriminalize Illegal Border Crossings

WASHINGTON — Julián Castro’s plan to decriminalize unauthorized border crossings has splintered an expansive Democratic presidential field, pitting the former San Antonio mayor, in particular, against fellow Texan Beto O’Rourke.But the proposal has also divided Texas Democrats in Congress.Some lawmakers want to repeal the existing criminal statute, with Houston Rep. Sylvia Garcia decrying what she called “inherently racist, harmful laws.” Others disagree, with Dallas Rep. Colin Allred saying that “people coming to the U.S. should do so legally and responsibly.”Conflict among even those allies spotlights an intensifying tug-of-war for the heart and soul of the Democratic Party, where progressives in the 2020 race and beyond are pushing the conversation further to the left on critical issues like immigration, health care and tax policy.  Continue reading...