Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez has completed four terms as the leading law enforcement official in Val Verde County, Texas, an expansive rural area that shares a 110-mile border with Mexico. This position was an aspiration of his father, who passed away at 51 years of age. Martinez credits his father, a dedicated Democrat, for instilling in him and his nine siblings a commitment to community service.
Martinez identifies as “Catholic and pro-life and pro-gun” and remains loyal to his father’s political party. His connections within Val Verde County have consistently secured his office with support from both Democrats and Republicans. However, this year’s re-election is uncertain for Martinez as some local residents question his stance on immigration—despite border security falling outside the sheriff’s jurisdiction.
A short documentary chronicles Joe Frank and his brothers, David and Leo Martinez, as they navigate the immigration tensions in Del Rio, located nearly three hours south of San Antonio. The film sheds light on how new immigration patterns at the U.S.-Mexico border have influenced the political views of local voters. Communities that were traditionally Democratic are showing signs of turning Republican, a shift supported by the GOP’s outreach to Latino voters.
Political dynamics in Val Verde County are undergoing changes. Project Red TX, a political action committee, is sponsoring a challenger named Rogelio “Roger” Hernandez against Martinez. Since 2018, the PAC has been actively recruiting and financially backing Republican candidates in local elections throughout mostly Latino border counties. This year, it has endorsed 50 local candidates, including three from Val Verde County. Hernandez’s campaign signs, bearing the message “bringing order to the border,” are prominently displayed throughout the area.
As border towns like Del Rio become central to the nationwide discourse on immigration, the impact on the community is uncertain. A compelling short film presented by ProPublica in collaboration with The Texas Tribune explores these issues in depth. Further insights can be gained by accessing the related article.
Lisa Riordan Seville, Mauricio Rodriguez Pons, Liz Moughon, and Katie Campbell contributed to the production of this documentary.
