2024 presidential candidates on border security

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Republican nomination

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This page includes statements from the 2024 presidential candidates on border security. These statements were compiled from each candidate's official campaign website, editorials, speeches, and debates.

The candidates featured on this page were the noteworthy Democratic and Republican candidates in the 2024 presidential election. Only candidates who addressed this page's issue on their campaign website, in public statements, or in public speeches have a quote featured on this page. See something we missed? Email us. The active noteworthy presidential candidates as of November 5, 2025, were:

Kamala Harris (D)
Donald Trump (R)
Chase Oliver (L)
Jill Stein (G)

Border security

Democratic candidates

Kamala D. Harris

Harris' campaign website said, "As Attorney General of California, Vice President Harris went after international drug gangs, human traffickers and cartels that smuggled guns, drugs, and human beings across the U.S.-Mexico border. As Vice President, she supported the bipartisan border security bill, the strongest reform in decades. The legislation would have deployed more detection technology to intercept fentanyl and other drugs and added 1,500 border security agents to protect our border. After Donald Trump killed the border deal for his political gain, she and President Biden took action on their own—and now border crossings are at the lowest level in 4 years, their administration is seizing record amounts of fentanyl, and secured funding for the most significant increase in border agents in ten years. As President, she will bring back the bipartisan border security bill and sign it into law." ^{[source, as of 2024-09-09]}

Dean Phillips

Phillips' campaign website said, "Dean supports comprehensive immigration reform, including enhanced border security, a pathway to citizenship for those here now, and a streamlined process for those seeking to enter the country legally." ^{[source, as of 2023-12-19]}

Marianne Williamson

Williamson's campaign website said, "No increase in border security will impact this most common route into our nation. Yes, we can invest in smart border security when it’s actually needed, while also looking at underlying causes of the displacement of so many people south of our border, including our long failed war on drugs, which has created rampant crime and violence among our neighbors." ^{[source, as of 2023-12-19]}

Republican candidates

Ryan Binkley

Binkley's campaign website said, "My plan deploys physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, technology, and personnel along the border where it is most effective. Specifically, it authorizes at least $35 billion in funding to enhance and improve infrastructure and technology between and at ports of entry.” ^{[source, as of 2023-12-19]}

Ron DeSantis

DeSantis’ campaign website said, “DeSantis will also seek additional resources for CBP personnel and technology on America's northern border. As president, Ron DeSantis will build the wall. No excuses. DeSantis will use the military to assist the border patrol on day one, and they will continue to help until the wall is built. There are 600 miles open along the US-Mexico border. He will use every dollar available to him as President and every dollar he can squeeze out of Congress to get it done. This will additionally include needed fiber optic security systems, lighting, and sensors for the system that CBP agents need to do their jobs.” ^{[source, as of 2023-12-19]}

Nikki Haley

In a Republican debate Haley said, "We have to secure the border. The way we do that is first of all, defund sanctuary cities. You see what’s happening in Philadelphia right now. It’s got to stop. We need to make sure we put 25,000 more Border Patrol and ICE Agents on the ground and let them do their job. I spent 400 miles down that border and I’m telling you, Border Patrol Agents aren’t allowed to do their job. Let’s go back to “Remain in Mexico” policy." ^{[source, as of 2023-09-27]}

Asa Hutchinson

In his campaign announcement, Hutchinson said, "The rule of law also applies to our southern border. I have three words that will work to protect our country from the human suffering that results from an open border. That is 'enforce the law'. I know how to do this because President George W. Bush tapped me to help lead the Department of Homeland Security. Our nation is a land of immigrants who make up the fabric of our democracy. In order to respect those who follow the legal path to come to this country, we must reform our asylum laws; devote more resources to support our border patrol; quickly remove those who come into our country illegally; and go after the cartels who are killing Americans with the deadly drug fentanyl." ^{[source, as of 2023-04-02]}

Vivek Ramaswamy

Ramaswamy's campaign website listed the following policy, "Use the military, including drones, to secure our southern border." ^{[source, as of 2023-12-21]}

Donald Trump

Trump's campaign website said, "President Donald J. Trump created the most secure border in U.S. history. He ended catch-and-release, took down human traffickers, deported record numbers of illegal alien gang members, and built 450 miles of powerful new wall." ^{[source, as of 2023-12-21]}