In Del Rio, Texas, Joe Frank Martinez, a Democrat, made history in 2008 by becoming the first Latino elected sheriff in a 110-mile border stretch. However, in mid-September, almost 16 years later, the 68-year-old Martinez found himself at the San Felipe Lions Club, campaigning vigorously on an issue previously absent from his election platform: immigration.
With nearly five decades in law enforcement, Martinez had dedicated his career, save for a brief period elsewhere as a state trooper, to ensuring safety in Val Verde County. Known for winning elections easily, he even ran unopposed during the county’s support for Donald Trump four years ago, a testament to his local popularity based on personal rapport rather than party affiliation.
During a meeting at the Lions Club, Martinez addressed various challenges faced over his tenure, including a pandemic, a fatal winter storm, and the arrival of nearly 20,000 Haitian immigrants in September 2021. This event, involving a group larger than half of Del Rio’s population, left lasting concerns among residents about immigration and whether Martinez was stringent enough on the matter.
Although immigration isn’t under Martinez’s purview, it became a pivotal concern among voters, disrupting established political loyalties within the majority Latino community. Some accused Martinez of being lax on immigration, even assisting in unauthorized entries. These claims arose despite Martinez’s shared frustrations with President Joe Biden’s immigration response.
Amid criticisms, Martinez recounted instances where he was accused of facilitating illegal entries after rescuing immigrants from potentially drowning. Critics also took issue with his endorsement from San Antonio’s sheriff, a Democrat critical of Trump.
In electoral dynamics, shifting attitudes reflected broader changes. Del Rio maintained conservative views on immigration while historically voting for Republicans like George W. Bush, known for a compassionate stance on immigration. However, the recent far-right Republican narrative struggled to resonate historically, though, with changing immigration patterns at the border, Democrats have struggled to adapt rhetorically.
Central American and other immigrants increasingly arrived, remaining on the Mexican side longer, causing tensions and misconceptions about an “invasion.” This scenario became more tangible during the 2021 influx of Haitian migrants.
Despite personal and political pressures, Martinez strived to focus on local priorities, countering claims while advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. Facing pressure from both local politics and wider critiques, Martinez considered his role and influence amidst a complex, evolving political landscape in Del Rio.
