Trump Targets Harris on Immigration Issues During Wisconsin Speech
In a fiery address on Saturday, former President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of criticisms against Vice President Kamala Harris, linking her to illegal immigration and alleging her responsibility for crime associated with undocumented migrants. Speaking to a receptive crowd in Prairie du Chien, Trump asserted that he would “liberate Wisconsin from the mass migrant invasion,” emphasizing his intention to tackle immigration issues aggressively.
This rally followed Harris’s recent comments on immigration during her visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, where she announced plans to further restrict asylum claims. Trump seized on this backdrop, claiming Harris had “erased our border” and labeling her policies as detrimental to national security. He emphasized that frustration over illegal immigration could swing votes in critical battleground states like Wisconsin, where he seeks to regain support.
“We’re going to liberate the country,” he declared, as he painted a grim picture of immigration’s impact on public safety, alleging that migrants contribute to crime. This message resonates with many voters, as recent polls indicate that a majority believe Trump would handle immigration more effectively than Harris.
Throughout his speech, Trump meandered through various topics, often losing coherence. He recounted personal experiences, including two assassination attempts and expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. Secret Service for limiting his rally size. His comments spanned a range of issues from climate change to playful jabs about his physique compared to President Joe Biden’s, even pondering the origins of a fly buzzing near him.
Trump repeatedly referenced Harris’s recent statements, criticizing her for calling him out on his immigration policies. “I had to sit there and listen to her lies,” he stated, as the crowd erupted in applause. He went on to label Harris as “mentally impaired” and a “disaster,” escalating his personal attacks against her.
Harris, meanwhile, was actively campaigning in San Francisco, where she framed the election as a choice between “two very different visions for our nation.” She characterized Trump’s rhetoric as stale, stating, “Donald Trump is the same old tired show,” while cautioning that the implications of his potential return to the White House would be severe.
At the Prairie du Chien event, Trump also showcased poster-sized mugshots of individuals in the U.S. illegally accused of crimes, including the recent case of Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, charged with serious offenses in Wisconsin. Local officials, including Police Chief Kyle Teynor, highlighted the incident to underscore concerns about crime linked to undocumented individuals, reiterating Republican claims that authorities are failing to protect citizens.
Republican U.S. Representative Derrick Van Orden, who addressed the crowd, echoed Trump’s sentiments, asserting that only the former president has the strength and resolve to restore order amidst what he termed a growing crisis.
As the 2024 election approaches, immigration remains a pivotal issue, with both parties aiming to sway voters in key states. Trump’s strategy appears to hinge on energizing his base around immigration enforcement, hoping to capitalize on widespread frustration over border security and crime.
Source: AP
