U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne linked illegal immigration to housing costs, public safety and national security during an interview on Let’s Talk Local.
Van Duyne opened with the death of Ava Moore, an 18-year-old U.S. Air Force Academy cadet candidate. Authorities allege that a Venezuelan woman operating a personal watercraft struck and killed Moore while she kayaked on Grapevine Lake in May 2025. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the woman had entered the country illegally. A Tarrant County grand jury later indicted her on a manslaughter charge.
Public safety and affordability
“There are actual victims for these open border policies under the Biden administration,” Van Duyne said before turning to the financial effects of illegal immigration. She argued that rapid population growth increased demand for a limited supply of homes and apartments, pushing prices higher.
A Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas working paper supports part of that argument. As previously reported by DX, researchers estimated that unauthorized immigrant inflows accounted for nearly 30% of home-price growth and about 20% of rent growth in the average metropolitan area from March 2021 through March 2024.
Foreign threats and civil dialogue
Van Duyne also discussed Iran, Hamas, foreign funding at American universities and the treatment of international students who support terrorist activity or commit violence. She warned that Americans have grown accustomed to security and should not become complacent about threats surrounding large public events.
The conversation ended with Van Duyne’s advice for discussing divisive issues: organize your thoughts, rely on facts and resist responding with anger.
“Don’t be a hateful warrior,” she said. “Make it about the policy. Make it about the issue. Don’t make it about the person. Don’t make it about the party.”
Watch the full segment HERE to hear Van Duyne’s complete arguments on immigration enforcement, affordability, foreign influence and political dialogue.
