Cowen: The Brownsville Model has become a beacon of hope and innovation for our nation

2 months ago 57

BROWNSVILLE, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., spoke at two press conferences on the day President Biden visited his city.

The first, with the president, was held at the Brownsville Border Patrol Station. The second, which reviewed Biden’s visit, was held at the city’s new communications and marketing complex.

Here are Cowen’s remarks at the second of the two press conferences:

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, members of the press.

Nestled at a pivotal juncture of migrant roots into the United States, Brownsville has risen to the challenge with a strategy that is as compassionate as it is efficient.

I speak of the Brownsville Model. It is a framework for migrant management that has become a beacon of hope and innovation for our nation and for our great city.

At the heart of this strategy is a humanitarian approach that prioritizes dignity and care for every individual. Under the leadership of Miss Odee Ann Leal, director of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Brownsville has demonstrated what is possible when local government takes the lead in managing complex challenges.

This local government approach is a testament to the power of effective governance and coordination.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of the Brownsville Model, bringing together a wide array of partners, including US Border Patrol, US Customs and Border Protection, and local law enforcement, alongside vital NGOs such as the Brownsville Good Neighbor Settlement House, Team Brownsville, Ozanan Center, and Iglesia Bautista West Brownsville. And representatives of each organization are here on the stage with me.

This network of partners underscores a community-wide effort that is nothing short of inspiring.

Moreover, Brownsville has extended its knowledge and expertise to other cities, which include El Paso, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, offering a template for productive, local government engagement in migrant management.

This spirit of sharing and collaboration is paving the way for more humane and efficient approach to migration.

The safety and well-being of Brownsville residents is always paramount. Our city safety is led by Brownsville Police Department Chief Felix Saucedo and has been maintained with the support and work of our committed law enforcement personnel.

The City of Brownsville has been named a Top 20 Safest Cities in the US in 2022 and 2023. This is a clear indicator of the success of its policies and the effectiveness of community policing. This recognition, alongside accolades of being a Top Retirement Destination, highlights Brownsville commitment to creating a vibrant, safe and welcoming community for all.

Brownsville’s approach to migrant management goes hand-in-hand with its commitment to economic prosperity and community well-being. The City has seen remarkable economic growth, with a significant increase in sales tax revenue, underscoring the vitality of this economy.

The presence of diverse industries, strategic investments in high growth sectors, and a focus on infrastructure and community investments speaks volumes of Brownsville’s forward-thinking approach.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Brownsville Model is more than just a strategy for managing migrant flows. It is a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, collaboration and innovation converge.

As we gather here today, let us take inspiration from Brownsville’s example, let us strive to create communities that are not only safe and prosperous but also welcoming and compassionate. Together we can create a future that honors the dignity of all individuals and harnesses the power of collective for the greater good.

Thank you very much.

Mayor Cowen’s remarks at the Biden press conference

Here are Cowen’s remarks at the press conference with President Biden:

My name is John Cowen and I am the Mayor of the City of Brownsville. Mr. President, thank you for visiting our beautiful city, the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley.

I believe I speak for all of the elected officials here when I say it’s an honor to have you here. We stand united in our commitment to protect our communities, secure our border and uphold our values. I’m a member of the South Texas Alliance of Cities, a group of mayors from South Texas communities. We work in partnership with the federal government, local law enforcement, and nonprofits to address the challenges created by the border issue.

We understand the complexities, the diversity of thought on possible solutions, and the compelling need for to ensure that immigration is not a wedge issue.

As local leaders we are responsible for our communities, our safety and well-being. We cannot play politics with this. I am proud of the work we have done in Brownsville to help people entering the country.

Our approach, called the Brownsville Model is as compassionate and humane as it is efficient. It prioritizes It prioritizes dignity and care. For two years in a Brownsville has been named one of the 20 Safest Cities in America.

Mr. President, all of us here are overworked and understaffed. In Brownsville. We have assisted over 240,000 migrants since 2021. Our population is just below 200,000.

From El Paso to San Antonio to Brownsville, we all need help. So to our federal partners, we cannot afford to wait. We need to pass the Senate’s promising bipartisan border bill that you have championed. We’ve studied it and it will give cities critical resources to respond humanely to the migrant challenge.

Thank you for your leadership. It’s a big deal to have the President of the United States in the Rio Grande Valley. And thank you all for visiting beautiful Brownsville. Texas.

Thank you.

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