Texas State Rep. Talarico Calls for Immigration Reform at Camp East Montana

Talarico, running for U.S. Senate, urges federal leaders to address border policy at the national level.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Texas State Rep. James Talarico spoke to members of the press outside Camp East Montana on Saturday, calling for comprehensive immigration reform and urging federal leaders to address border policy at the national level. Talarico, who is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Texas, said both the challenges and benefits of immigration should be acknowledged and that the country can welcome immigrants while also enforcing laws against violent crimes.

Why it matters

Immigration reform has been a contentious and long-standing issue in the U.S., with debates over border security, pathways to citizenship, and the role of the federal government. Talarico's remarks at Camp East Montana, a site that has drawn national attention on immigration policy, come as part of his 'Take Back Texas' tour and ahead of an intense Senate race in the state.

The details

During his remarks, Talarico said both the challenges and benefits of immigration should be acknowledged. He called on leaders in the United States Senate and in Washington, D.C., to 'solve this problem and fix the system,' rather than 'grandstanding' or 'scoring political points.' Talarico described his view of border policy by saying the southern border should be 'like our front porch' with 'a giant welcome mat out front and a lock on the door.'

  • Talarico spoke to the media outside Camp East Montana on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Talarico's 'Take Back Texas' tour is running from February 17th to March 3rd, 2026.

The players

James Talarico

A Texas State Representative who is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate in Texas, aiming to challenge Republican Senator John Cornyn.

John Cornyn

The current Republican U.S. Senator from Texas whom Talarico is seeking to challenge.

Jasmine Crockett

A Congresswoman who will be visiting El Paso, Texas, tomorrow as part of the ongoing national debates over immigration policy.

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What they’re saying

“We understand the challenges. We also understand the benefits. And I think we can all agree that we need comprehensive immigration reform.”

— James Talarico, Texas State Representative

“There should be a giant welcome mat out front and a lock on the door. Those are not mutually exclusive values.”

— James Talarico, Texas State Representative

What’s next

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is scheduled to visit El Paso, Texas, tomorrow as part of the ongoing national debates over immigration policy.

The takeaway

Talarico's remarks at Camp East Montana highlight the continued debate over immigration reform in the U.S., with calls for both securing the border and welcoming immigrants. As a Senate candidate, Talarico is positioning himself as a voice for comprehensive solutions, rather than partisan 'grandstanding,' ahead of a high-profile race in Texas.