Rolando Pablos and Gina Ortiz-Jones sparred over immigration, police reform, and Project Marvel in the final mayoral debate before early voting.
SAN ANTONIO — Hundreds gathered Monday night to watch the two mayoral runoff candidates go head-to-head in a high-stakes debate.
Rolando Pablos and Gina Ortiz-Jones clashed on key issues including Project Marvel, immigration policy, and police reform.
It was the final chance for voters to see the candidates debate before early voting kicks off next Tuesday.
Immigration was a large topic, with both candidates noting how they come from immigrant backgrounds.
Ortiz-Jones mainly criticized using local police as ICE agents, while Rolando Pablos said local law enforcement has to work with federal officials.
Pablos said he will follow the federal laws as mayor and feels immigrants should have their due process.
But he believes it’s important to get rid of migrants who are criminals.
Ortiz-Jones wants local law enforcement to be focused on violent crime, not “going into churches or places where people are contributing to the economy.”
“Our community is less safe when people cannot call law enforcement, go to work when in fear of what could happen,” said Ortiz-Jones.
“We have to be able to treat our immigrants with dignity, but with the situation with the migrant resource center, we have to take care of San Antonian’s first,” said Pablos.
Pablos also touched on his support of Project Marvel, while Ortiz-Jones called for more transparency when it comes to where taxpayer dollars go.
With police reform Pablos pledged to not reduce budgets while Ortiz-Jones called for accountability.
Early voting starts May 27 and runs through June 3.
The runoff election is June 7.