Good morning to everybody that's here today. Our elected officials, judges, commissioners, mayors and members of the community.
The presence of so many decision-makers in one room tells us something important, that this issue is real, it’s urgent, and it affects far more than politics. It affects families, employers and the ability and stability of our communities.
Today's conversation is not about placing blame, and it's not about weakening the law. It's about acknowledging a reality that has existed for decades and working towards solutions that are legal, ethical and humane.
Across our region, we are seeing a growing disconnect between immigration enforcement and workforce reality. We're not only talking about individuals without documentation, we're also talking about people who have followed the process, who hold valid work authorization or who are actively trying to renew or correct their status, yet are still facing denial, revocation and sudden enforcement actions.
When people are following the rules they were instructed to follow and are still being penalized, the issue is no longer individual compliance. The issue is systemic.
Behind every enforcement action is a human being, often a parent, a provider and a longterm member of this community. Sudden detentions don't just remove a worker from a job, they destabilize families, disrupt local economies and erode trust in the system meant to protect us.
At the same time, enforcement without viable legal pathways does not solve immigration. It pushes it further into the shadows. Our economy, particularly construction, agriculture and essential services has depended on this labor force for generations, yet the legal pathways available today do not reflect the reality of that demand.
Employers are not asking to bypass the law. We are asking for clarity, consistency and a system that allows us to comply without fear that the rules will change mid-process. Accountability requires certainty. What we are advocating for is straightforward stability for individuals already in the system, expanded and realistic work visa options that reflect actual labor needs and enforcement that is targeted, proportional and humane.
This issue has existed under multiple administrations and across party lines. That tells that this is not a partisan problem. It is a structural one and structural problems require leadership, collaboration and practical solutions.
Our hope today is that this forum helps move the conversation forward, not just for employers, not just for workers, but for families, communities and the integrity of the system itself. We appreciate every leader here who is willing to engage thoughtfully and work towards solutions that reflect both the rule of law and the dignity of people.
Editor’s Note: The above commentary was provided by Efrain Gomez, Jr., president of Gomez 3 Construction, LLC, in his capacity as moderator of a symposium hosted by South Texas Builders Association. Titled the Immigration Enforcement & Construction Industry Impact Symposium, it was held at McAllen Convention Center on Jan. 14, 2026, and was attended by construction industry leaders from across the Texas-Mexico border region, bankers, U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Monica De La Cruz, and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos.
