Bobby Pulido Faces Backlash in South Texas Congressional Race
A Democratic candidate vying for a congressional seat in South Texas is enduring criticism after allegedly labeling Border Patrol agents as racists. Bobby Pulido, a former Latin music star, is competing against Republican Congresswoman Monica de la Cruz in a highly contested border district.
In a recent podcast interview on “Mind of Genius,” Pulido asserted that the immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration and the Republican Party were driven by a notion he referred to as “white replacement theory.” He emphasized that the issue at hand has always revolved around race, stating, “I hate to stir it up, but I’m going to speak up because it’s the reality.” Pulido highlighted concerns among communities of color regarding their economic futures amidst ongoing political discourse.
The controversy escalated when Pulido remarked on immigration enforcement, claiming that a significant number of participants are influenced by white supremacist motives. While he expressed reluctance to tarnish all members of law enforcement, he maintained that many individuals contribute to a toxic climate. “That’s unfortunate. Because then you would be branding every ICE agent,” he clarified.
Reacting to Pulido’s comments, a spokesperson for de la Cruz’s campaign accused him of disrespecting Border Patrol agents, pointing out that more than half of these agents are Hispanic. According to Texas Monthly, there are approximately 3,100 Border Patrol staff stationed in the Rio Grande Valley region, which aligns with de la Cruz’s district. The spokesperson articulated that de la Cruz supports these agents, highlighting her close connections to the community and her commitment to lowering costs and enhancing safety.
In defense of Pulido, his campaign dismissed the allegations as desperate smears from a floundering opponent. An official statement claimed that Pulido has close ties to the Border Patrol and has consistently supported law enforcement. “South Texas knows that, and we intend to make this very public in November,” the spokesperson added.
Despite his bid for office, Pulido has faced scrutiny on multiple fronts, including past controversies related to his music career and associations with individuals facing serious charges. He has denied any knowledge of a bandmate’s criminal history and emphasized that he severed ties upon discovering it. Furthermore, criticism emerged regarding his appearance with sanctioned individuals, which his campaign attributed to misunderstandings rooted in cultural expression.
Republican National Committee spokesman Zach Kraft accused Pulido of aligning himself with criminal elements over law enforcement, reinforcing the perception that he poses a threat to the community. Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, echoed this sentiment, labeling Pulido’s actions as disgraceful. “The agents that patrol this border… know exactly which side Bobby Pulido is on,” Perez stated.
