Saying “cowardly” means that there’s an intent on the part of such politicians to actually do the right thing, but some other vicious power is “cow(ing)” them and preventing them from doing so. No; they do this of their own will and out of their own greed and lust for power.
The word “cowardly” does not imply intent, but a lack of courage. These politicians are pandering to Hispanic voters and the cheap labor express because they are afraid to oppose those political influences in their state and congressional district.
Who knows what they actually believe as that often cannot be discern concerning a pandering, cowardly politician.