In a surprising move, U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, a Democratic candidate running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, joined two other Texas Democrats on Wednesday to vote in favor of a resolution condemning President Joe Biden's handling of the southern border. This decision comes as Republicans continue to exploit the migrant crisis for political gain in an election year.

The resolution, introduced by U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler, denounces the Biden administration's open-borders policies and criticizes the alleged national security and public safety crisis created on the border. Notably, all Republicans voted in favor of the resolution.

State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who is also running against Allred for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, criticized Allred's vote, accusing him of siding with "GOP extremists." Gutierrez expressed concern over the nominee agreeing with the border security ideas put forth by former President Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz.

In response to the criticism, Allred highlighted his support for bipartisan legislation called the Dignity Act. He explained that this legislation aims to secure the border, provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and law-abiding individuals already living in the U.S., and allocate additional resources to Border Patrol and border communities. The Dignity Act was co-authored by U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, and Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida.

Allred emphasized the need for comprehensive immigration reform and expressed his belief that the immigration system is broken. He urged for bipartisan cooperation rather than engaging in partisan tactics that do not lead to practical solutions.

U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, both centrist border Democrats, also voted for the resolution. However, their previous track records have indicated a more open-minded approach to Republican proposals on border security, and they have criticized their party for not giving enough attention to this issue.

Although Allred has generally been a reliable Democratic vote, his recent decisions have shown a willingness to take harder steps on the border. In October, Allred praised President Biden's announcement to construct more walls on the Texas-Mexico border as a necessary step.

The issue of the southern border has become a significant point of attack for Republicans against Democrats. Sen. Ted Cruz has consistently criticized the administration and Democrats for the influx of migrants, as well as the rise of human trafficking and drug cartels.

Cruz clashed with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a Senate Judiciary hearing in March, calling for his resignation due to his perceived mishandling of the border situation. Cruz has also introduced a House-passed Republican border bill in the Senate, aiming to increase penalties for illegal immigration, construct more walls, and expedite deportations. Democrats have strongly opposed this bill in both chambers.

Despite Allred's vote in favor of the resolution, he has maintained his opposition to the severity and performative nature of Republicans' border plans. He has consistently advocated for comprehensive immigration reform and emphasized the need for genuine bipartisan collaboration.

As the race for the Senate seat intensifies, Allred remains committed to finding real solutions to the border issue and contrasts himself with Cruz, who he believes lacks genuine interest in bipartisan cooperation.