Bronx Democrat: Cruz took ‘cheap shot’ at borough

Rep. José Serrano (D-N.Y.) fired back at Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) for suggesting over the weekend that the Bronx poses security concerns to Manhattan.

Cruz argued during a Saturday speech at the Americans for Prosperity summit in Dallas that Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) didn’t have an accurate perspective of the southwestern border.

{mosads}”I understand that Manhattan is very concerned with their security in the Bronx,” Cruz said. “But it’s a little different on 2,000 miles of the Rio Grande.”

Serrano, who represents the heavily Hispanic South Bronx, said Cruz’s comments were part of his “pathetic” strategy on immigration.

“Instead of getting his Republican colleagues to work on passing immigration reform, he attacks hard working people in the Bronx as part of his pathetic approach to deal with the immigration issue,” Serrano said.

Serrano further argued that Cruz was trying to distract people from the core of the immigration issue.

“Your comments about Manhattan’s concern about their security in relationship to the Bronx, Sen. Cruz, is a cheap shot meant to divert attention away from your failed leadership on this issue,” Serrano said. 

“Manhattan has nothing to fear from the Bronx, but our country should fear your extreme and divisive philosophy,” Serrano added.