By Edith Loyola 
The current Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Steve McCraw, finds himself at the center of controversy due to statements widely considered racist. As a result, numerous users on social media are questioning his continued tenure and calling for his resignation or dismissal.
The demands began to emerge after McCraw was recorded referring to Mexicans as “cockroaches,” reigniting criticism of his leadership.
“Some people find it hard to use terms like ‘infestation’ and ‘cockroaches’ and things like that. All you have to do is interview or spend some time with some migrant victims who are here in this country, and you’ll understand that the governor hasn’t exaggerated the issue. In fact, he has framed the matter correctly, and Texas will not allow any part of this state to be infested with that kind of disease,” the director stated.
Failed Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw is on video calling Mexicans cockroaches.
— Senator Roland Gutierrez (@RolandForTexas) September 16, 2024
This is the same man that had his troopers stand down for over an hour as Latino students and teachers were massacred at an elementary school in Uvalde.
Disgusting.pic.twitter.com/bawEfnUZgr
Furthermore, these accusations have intensified in recent weeks, particularly following his announcement of retirement. Now, Twitter users are expressing their outrage with statements such as, “This man should be fired right now,” and “What Director McCraw said are the same obscenities that led us to Auschwitz.”
It is worth noting that these demands add to the existing criticism of his handling of the Sandra Bland case. Bland, an African-American woman, died by suicide in a Waller County jail following a violent encounter with a police officer. Her death has since been viewed as a symbol of systemic racism within Texas law enforcement.
As the election approaches, McCraw’s critics have also been leveraging his actions. Candidates like Beto O’Rourke have used this controversy to highlight the need for change in the leadership of the DPS.