Fact Check: Did James Talarico say the U.S. border should have a ‘giant welcome mat’?

Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.


Claimant: Ken Paxton Campaign


Claim: James Talarico said the southern border should have “a giant welcome mat out front.”


Rating: MOSTLY FALSE


Explanation: Talarico did use the phrase “a giant welcome mat out front,” but the ad omitted that he immediately added there should also be “a lock on the door” and that the country can exclude people who intend harm.


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Date: 06/04/2026


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Last Updated on June 4, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check