In Del Rio, Texas, Joe Frank Martinez, who became the first Latino sheriff in the area in 2008, found himself campaigning vigorously on an immigration platform for the first time in nearly 16 years. Martinez, a 68-year-old Democrat with five decades in law enforcement, was addressing several dozen voters, highlighting the challenges Val Verde County faced, including a pandemic and a massive influx of Haitian immigrants in 2021.
Throughout his career, Martinez had focused on keeping the community safe, often winning elections by gaining the trust of voters who prioritized the person over political party. However, the recent events caused suspicion and criticism of his approach to immigration, a field not within his official duties. Despite his efforts to bring order and maintain safety, some residents labeled Martinez as lenient on immigration, with accusations that he facilitated unauthorized crossings.
Martinez faced open and subtle attacks, from being criticized on social media to finding a friend’s yard sign replaced with one promoting his opponent. In response, he presented data showing a decrease in immigrant crossings in Val Verde County compared to neighboring areas.
Immigration, a divisive issue, disrupted traditional political alignments in the region. Del Rio’s predominantly Latino community was experiencing a shift, as long-standing party lines blurred in light of changing immigration patterns and heightened rhetoric from the Republican Party.
The influx of Central American families in recent years had stirred political tensions, culminating in the 2021 incident where about 20,000 primarily Haitian migrants arrived at Del Rio’s border. This unprecedented event left a lasting impact on the community, already grappling with the complexities of immigration and infrastructure pressures.
Joe Frank Martinez’s family, rooted in the region’s rich immigrant history, reflects the varied views within the community. While some family members like Leonel Martinez Jr. align with Trump on key issues, others, like County Attorney David Martinez, adopt more progressive stances, emphasizing immigration as a humanitarian concern.
The crisis reached a peak in 2021 when Martinez witnessed firsthand the chaos and desperation of immigrants attempting to cross the border. Despite the federal government’s interventions, the local community required more support to manage the influx. This period strained Martinez’s family business and relationships but reinforced his commitment to his role, focusing on protecting individuals and maintaining safety.
Various political dynamics came into play, with Martinez receiving an offer from Republican operatives to switch parties, which he declined. Instead, the GOP backed Rogelio “Roger” Hernandez, a police officer from San Antonio, reflecting a broader Republican strategy to gain ground in traditionally Democratic areas following gains in the 2020 elections.
As the political landscape in Del Rio shifted, Martinez continued his campaign, emphasizing his longstanding service and dedication to the community. However, challenges remained, with bipartisan cooperation needed to address systemic issues at the border effectively. The situation highlighted a need for functional governance that prioritizes security and humanitarian outcomes over political division.
