U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson received a high‑profile endorsement Tuesday from the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) as she seeks the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat from Iowa. The endorsement was announced at a news conference in Urbandale, where NBPC President Paul Perez highlighted Hinson’s collaboration with the Trump administration to deliver critical resources to Border Patrol agents.
Trump‑Era Resources Help Secure Iowa’s Borders
“Working with the Trump administration, Rep. Hinson helped Border Patrol agents get the resources needed to finally secure the border once and for all,” Perez said. He added that the past four years under the Biden administration saw a dramatic decline in border security, describing the situation as “unbelievably low.”
Contrast With Democratic Opponent
Hinson’s Democratic challenger, State Rep. Josh Turek, has promoted a 2024 Iowa law that makes illegal immigration a state crime, allowing state officials to assist in immigration enforcement. Turek’s campaign also released ads showing him meeting Border Patrol agents in Laredo, Texas, and speaking about the impact of border conditions on Iowa communities.
However, Hinson and Perez argued that Turek supports defunding law‑enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol. Hinson cited Turek’s primary‑season comment that he would not fund the Department of Homeland Security without “fundamental reforms to ICE.” She linked that stance to the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis earlier this year at the hands of immigration agents.
Hinson’s Commitment to Iowa Families
“There is no stronger advocate for border security for your families than Rep. Hinson,” Perez asserted. Hinson echoed that sentiment, emphasizing her plan to fully fund law‑enforcement and border‑security efforts. She warned that Turek would side with “Washington liberals” and jeopardize the safety of Iowa families.
She also referenced the heartbreaking case of Michelle Root, whose daughter was killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk, and the murders of Laken Riley and Rachel Morin, urging voters to consider the human cost of lax border policies.
Legislative Record and Future Plans
Hinson highlighted her vote for the Laken Riley Act, an immigration measure signed shortly after President Trump took office that expands detention for immigrants charged with serious crimes. She noted that Congress has moved to improve ICE accountability, with every ICE agent slated to receive body‑camera training by the end of August, and similar training planned for Border Patrol agents.
In response to criticism that she opposed a bipartisan border deal endorsed by Border Patrol agents, Turek’s campaign spokesperson claimed Turek would work with anyone, including President Trump, to secure the border. Hinson maintained that her record shows consistent, practical support for law‑enforcement, not partisan posturing.
What This Means for Iowa Voters
The NBPC endorsement adds a powerful law‑enforcement voice to Hinson’s campaign, reinforcing her message that a secure border is essential for the safety and prosperity of Iowa families. As the primary season intensifies, voters will weigh Hinson’s proven partnership with the Trump administration against Turek’s promises of immigration reform and bipartisan cooperation.
Both candidates will continue to campaign across the state, with upcoming debates and town‑hall meetings offering Iowa residents further opportunities to hear directly on how each plans to protect their communities.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
