Resurfaced Materials Show John Cornyn's Past Immigration Positions
Social media posts and a 2020 campaign ad have resurfaced, drawing attention to Texas Sen. John Cornyn's previous support for certain immigration policies. The materials include statements on legalizing Dreamers and other amnesty-related views from Cornyn and his staff. Cornyn faces a Republican primary runoff against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 26.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewA 2020 Spanish-language television ad from Texas Sen. John Cornyn's campaign, titled “Tranquilo,” targeted Hispanic voters and included a voiceover stating that Cornyn supports the legalization of Dreamers. ” The ad also mentioned his efforts to stop sex trafficking, support police reform, and secure borders.
Post by @DailyCaller on X
The video gained attention on social media late Thursday evening and was subsequently set to private by the campaign. Activists then shared other videos of Cornyn on the Senate floor, where he described lobbying former President Barack Obama to push Congress to adopt Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
DACA provides renewable two-year deportation protections and work authorizations to individuals who entered the United States illegally as children.
activist Scott Presler highlighted a 2016 social media post by Matt Mackowiak, Cornyn's communications director, which criticized a legislative deal for lacking a path to legal status for illegal immigrants. Mackowiak wrote, “No apologies. No compassion.
No humanity. No path to legal status. ” The post was deleted after Presler raised the issue. Rob Jesmer, the Cornyn campaign’s general consultant, has a history of social media activity supporting amnesty. In February 2015, Jesmer promoted polling showing majority support for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
Ted Cruz, proposed legislation to prevent the former Biden administration from using visa loopholes to grant amnesty to approximately 500,000 illegal immigrants. The bill was not adopted by the Senate. Cornyn stated at the time, “For almost four years, the Biden-Harris administration has waived their magic amnesty wand to create unlawful programs that allow any and every person to enter and stay in the U.S. – legally or not,” and added that the legislation would preserve the integrity of the employment-based nonimmigrant visa program.
Matt Mackowiak told the Daily Caller that attacks on Cornyn relate to his support for the Secure and Succeed Act, which would have ended the visa lottery and reformed chain migration while providing a pathway to conditional permanent residence for certain illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children.
Mackowiak added that Cornyn has consistently supported border security efforts and received the endorsement of the National Border Patrol Council. Cornyn is scheduled to face Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary runoff election on May 26.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- April 24, 2026
Daily Caller published report on resurfaced materials highlighting Cornyn's immigration positions.
1 source@DailyCaller - Late Thursday evening (April 23, 2026)
2020 campaign ad gained traction on social media and was set to private.
1 source@DailyCaller - April 22, 2026
Tom Slocum shared screenshots of Jesmer's retweets on social media.
1 source@DailyCaller - 2024
Cornyn and Cruz proposed legislation to prevent amnesty via visa loopholes, which was not adopted.
1 source@DailyCaller - 2020
Cornyn's Spanish-language campaign ad stated support for legalizing Dreamers.
1 source@DailyCaller
Potential Impact
- 01
The resurfaced materials could influence voter turnout in the May 26 Republican primary runoff in Texas.
- 02
Paxton's campaign might gain support from voters prioritizing stricter immigration stances.
- 03
Cornyn's campaign may face increased scrutiny on immigration policies from Republican voters.
- 04
Social media discussions on Cornyn's positions could spread beyond Texas, affecting national GOP dynamics.
Transparency Panel
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