The immigration crisis was a hot topic at the governors' meeting at the White House

(CNN) — The record number of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border was a major topic of conversation at this weekend's governors meeting at the White House, revealing how the issue is relevant in states across the country and across the political spectrum.

The National Governors Association holds an annual meeting of governors at the White House to discuss issues affecting their states and other current issues. For years, immigration has been on the back burner.

But not so this year.

Several governors spoke to CNN over the weekend with immigration as a key topic of conversation.

“This is the No. 1 issue on the minds of Americans right now,” said Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

North Carolina Democratic Governor Roy Cooper told CNN.

Governors across the country are grappling with an influx of immigrants, even close to the US southern border, in part because Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott took them to Democratic-led cities without warning. US President Joe Biden acknowledged the challenges they face in a speech to governors this Friday.

“You face this every day; some of you face this every day,” Biden said, urging governors to step up pressure on lawmakers to pass what he described as the “strongest border deal ever.”

Several governors told CNN they have spoken with the president about possible solutions to address challenges related to border security.

“I think what was found in that room [en la Casa Blanca] “Democrats and Republicans are the ones who want a solution and don't believe Congress can step aside,” said Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, describing the discussions as “civil.”

As the White House navigates criticism from Republicans and opposition from Democrats — some favor tougher measures, others are wary of that approach — Biden has sought tougher border security measures.

The president is considering a sweeping executive action to limit the ability of immigrants to seek asylum if they cross the US-Mexico border illegally, a move reminiscent of the Trump administration's controversial actions. White House officials say no final decision has been made yet.

Utah's Republican governor, Spencer Cox, said Biden promised governors he would work with attorneys to understand what executive actions he could take on immigration, but the president appeared “frustrated” because “he wasn't getting answers from attorneys” that would allow him to take the kinds of actions he wanted.

North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum underscored the need for additional resources along the U.S. southern border, saying, “Without the law, I think a lot of things can be done right now.” “

The president's intention to take executive action comes after Senate Republicans in early February blocked a bipartisan border deal that included far-reaching measures, including the authority to close the border between the United States and Mexico.

“I think … at least for now, this legislation is on life support. I think the president is going to see what we can do,” Cooper said, referring to the Senate border bill. “Some of the things he could do would obviously be litigated as to whether or not they would work.”

The White House criticized Republicans for not restarting the measure linked to the foreign aid package. This Friday, every table where the governors sat had an information sheet with details of the border agreement.

Managing the border between the U.S. and Mexico is a political responsibility for Biden, whose team has had to deal with an increase in migration across the Western Hemisphere, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Still, New Jersey Democratic Gov. Bill Murphy said the failed border bill “gave the president a political opportunity.”

“Regardless of what you think about immigration policy, we know who to blame for the lack of action, which is terrible for America, but frankly it's a gift for the president,” he said.

Abbott's escalating border tactics brought the immigrant crisis to the doorstep of Democratic-led cities and states, putting the issue at the forefront of a heated election cycle and forcing Democrats to respond.

“We need to put an end to all these conflicts between the two sides. I'm asking our leaders to stop politicizing this immigration issue and start solving this problem,” said Ramiro Garza, mayor of the border city of Edinburg, Texas. .

Garza and other mayors across the country met with Biden at the White House in January to discuss the influx of immigrants to their cities. For months, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have called on Biden to provide more resources to address these challenges.

Immigrants typically move to cities in the United States once they qualify for release from government custody and as they progress through their immigration procedures. However, Abbott sent thousands of migrants to some cities without warning them, forcing officials to act quickly.

Democratic strategists recognize the political effect of Abbott's maneuvers.

“There was a fear from the beginning that Abbott's moves were helping to scare people, and now a lot of people are running scared that it's working,” one Democratic strategist told CNN.

“He has toyed with the idea of ​​confronting immigrants with the American people in general and with immigrants who have been here for years,” the strategist added.

CNN's Edward-Isaac Dover contributed to this report