Biden spars with Republicans on border security during State of the Union

President Biden continued to attack Republicans for playing politics with the border during his State of the Union address, as Republicans in the House gallery heckled him back.

He pointed his finger and blasted Republican leaders for bowing down to former President Donald Trump and walking away from the "toughest set of border security reforms we've ever seen" in the country.

"I'm told my predecessor called members in the Senate Congress and demanded they block the bill," Biden said. "He feels it would be a political win for me and a political loser for him. It's not about him or me. It'd be a winner for America!"

As he spoke, some Republicans screamed at Biden to "say her name," referring to Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was killed last month. An undocumented immigrant has been charged with the crime.

The speech — as well as the response — reflect how difficult the border issue has become ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Republicans hold a political advantage on immigration

For Biden, his strong language is just the latest example of how he's sought to flip the script on Republicans and attack on an issue that has been a political liability for him.

For Republicans, it about trying to keep Biden on his heels on an issue where they have a clear political advantage.

Polls show a majority of Americans trust Republicans more than Democrats on securing the border.

A new Monmouth University poll found that 53% of respondents support building a border wall, the first time a majority of Americans have backed the proposal since Trump launched his first presidential campaign.

Trump has made border security a central theme for 2024. He has promised to launch the largest domestic deportation operation in