On how the new travel ban would affect Austin:
Adler said he believed the impact would be the same as the previously attempted ban.
“Our companies in town, Facebook, Apple, Google, [The University of Texas] are all expressing reservation about being able to get people into the country who are a big part of our economy, part of the university and part of the companies,” Adler said. “Over 20 percent of the population in Austin is foreign born, but certainly with the hi-tech industry we have a lot of entrepreneurs and innovators that come from all over the world.”
On the decision to not “back down” against Immigration Customs Enforcement raids, despite threats from state and federal government officials to withhold funds:
Adler said there are a lot of people in the community who are “scared and worried” about the raids. The mayor said the city follows the advice of its local public safety professionals, who have testified that the raids kill a crucial community trust.
“[Public safety professionals] tell us that in order for us to be safe, there has to be a trust relationship between law enforcement and community so that victims and witnesses step forward so that police can go anywhere,” Adler said. “Communities that focus on that trust relationship are in fact the safest communities in the country and we’re trying to preserve that safety.”
On representing the population in the city who support President Trump and the executive order travel ban:
Representing differing points of view, Adler said, is in the “grandest traditions” of both the city and country.
“We’ve been accused of suffering from terminal democracy here in Austin,” Adler replied. “We love different points of view and love for people to be able to express what they’re thinking, so we invite those kinds of conversations in the city.”
On the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ slogan:
Adler said that what may appear weird to some is home to “really innovative, creative people, and that’s who we are.”
In the wake of Trump's revised executive order on March 6, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a statement of support of the revised travel ban.
"In light of the looming threat of terrorism, the president has both the constitutional authority and solemn duty to take reasonable steps in securing our border," Paxton said. "President Trump’s action shows decisiveness in answer to a very real danger, and I appreciate his efforts to protect the safety and security of Texans and all Americans."
When Trump issued his first attempt at a travel ban in January, Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, who represents Williamson County and Northwest Austin, issued a statement in support of the president's executive order.
"I support President Trump's efforts to increase security measures and vetting processes on people seeking visas to our country, and those refugees seeking asylum," said Carter, who is also the chair of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Committee. "I am committed to keeping Texans safe and I will continue to support all efforts to put our national security first. I stand against any policies that open the door to radical extremists manipulating our immigration policies and infiltrating our homeland."
