Democratic Candidate Blake Gendebien Criticizes Border Patrol and Local Workers in Controversial Interview

Democratic Candidate Blake Gendebien Criticizes Border Patrol and Local Workers in Controversial Interview

The Democratic candidate poised to replace outgoing Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District is under scrutiny for comments made during a resurfaced interview. Blake Gendebien, who owns Twin Mill Farms in Lisbon, New York, condemned U.S. Border Patrol agents for apprehending illegal immigrants and criticized off-duty corrections officers as well as local American laborers he hired for his dairy farm.

Background of the Candidate

Gendebien, who has been operating his farm since 2002, was announced as the Democratic nominee to run in a forthcoming special election after Stefanik vacates the House seat. Stefanik awaits a Senate confirmation vote to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Amid uncertainty regarding the special election timeline, the Democratic chairmen of NY-21 rallied around Gendebien, branding him as “an authentic voice that will fight for sensible solutions.” They emphasized his identity as a husband, father, and small business owner.

Frustrations with Local Workers

While Gendebien is presented as a community figure, his previously recorded remarks from a 2013 interview reveal significant discontent with the local workforce. In the audio, Gendebien expresses concerns about the labor market in upstate New York. He controversially remarks that local corrections officers lack self-worth, and he describes North Country workers as having minimal independence and practicality compared to his foreign workers.

Republican state leaders reacted swiftly to these statements, labeling Gendebien a “far-left Democrat.” They claimed that Gendebien not only endorses President Biden’s immigration policies but also facilitated the release of illegal immigrants from custody.

Comments on Labor and Immigration

During the 2013 interview, Gendebien made sweeping generalizations about local workers, asserting that they struggled with issues such as domestic abuse and alcohol dependency. His criticisms appeared to discredit local laborers while praising the productivity of his Hispanic employees.

Gendebien stated, “If it weren’t for the Hispanic labor, I wouldn’t be doing this.” He explained that an increased number of local hires would overwhelm him with issues related to court appearances and personal matters, complicating his farming operations. Furthermore, he expressed that local workers often arrived late and struggled with personal challenges.

Border Patrol Issues

In an alarming twist, Gendebien recounted an incident where a Border Patrol agent detained one of his workers, an illegal immigrant. He conveyed frustration with how Border Patrol profiles individuals based on their appearance, claiming it leads to unwarranted searches and seizures.

In the archived recording, he said, “Border Patrol will profile by skin color, crossing the road; they’ll interrogate and scream at the person.” He elaborated on the complexities of his relationship with immigration enforcement and described how some agents hired from different regions exhibit a gung-ho attitude towards immigration enforcement.

Mixed Community Reactions

Local reactions to Gendebien’s remarks have been polarized, with some Democrats supporting his candidacy while others express concern over his past comments. Many Republicans feel they have an opportunity to retain Stefanik’s seat due to what they term Gendebien’s radical viewpoints.

New York GOP Chair Ed Cox condemned Gendebien’s statements as evidence of a disconnect from the values of the district, suggesting that such sentiments will not resonate with voters.

Personal Background and Unique Perspective

Gendebien’s background is notable; he comes from a family that has faced its share of immigration challenges. His father-in-law was a Cuban immigrant while his parents worked in the Peace Corps. Gendebien’s bilingual capability has reportedly given him an edge in training foreign farm workers, setting him apart from some of his peers.

He remarked, “We can explain things to do. And they’re very capable. Incredibly capable of incredibly practical knowledge.” This appreciation for foreign labor contrasts sharply with his critical remarks about local workers, raising questions about his perspective on labor in the region.

Looking Ahead: A District Divided

As Gendebien prepares for the upcoming special election, his comments from the past may linger in the minds of voters. The intersection of immigration, labor, and local sentiment will play a crucial role in shaping the electoral landscape in New York’s 21st Congressional District. With the complexities of Gendebien’s views and the reactions they provoke, the election is shaping up to be one of contention and significance.