Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Tempe, Arizona, to address immigration issues, characterizing the United States as a “garbage can” for the world due to its border policies. Trump’s rhetoric has consistently featured dehumanizing language regarding undocumented immigrants, and he emphasized the idea that the country has become a dumping ground for foreign individuals. He attributed rising violence in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant communities and set immigration reform as a central theme of his campaign. Trump’s framing reflects a broader narrative that paints immigrants, particularly those undocumented, as threats to safety and order in American society.
Despite Trump’s stark warnings about immigration, current statistics reveal that border crossings have declined significantly, with apprehensions reported at the lowest levels since President Biden took office. A recent report stated that Border Patrol agents arrested fewer than 54,000 immigrants trying to cross the border in September, the lowest number since August 2020. In contrast, Trump continues to promote a narrative that the influx of immigrants poses an ongoing crisis, focusing on incidents involving crimes committed by undocumented individuals to rally support with voters.
During the rally, Trump reiterated his campaign promises to eliminate sanctuary cities and proposed harsher penalties for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, including the introduction of the death penalty in specific cases. He also came back to his previous immigration policies, notably the “Stay in Mexico” policy that required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed. This policy was terminated under Biden’s administration, and Trump pledged to bring it back if re-elected. He asserted the urgency of reinforcing border security, including a call for Congress to increase the number of border patrol agents by 10,000, framing it as essential to preserving national integrity.
Trump continued to escalate his derogatory remarks against Vice President Kamala Harris, questioning her intelligence and criticizing her stance on immigration. In response to a recent CNN town hall where Harris mentioned that Trump “didn’t do much of anything” about immigration reform, Trump derided her as a “low IQ individual.” His strategy appears to focus on undermining Harris’s credibility to fortify his base. By attacking her statements and framing her views as misguided, he aims to consolidate support among voters who feel frustrated with the current administration’s immigration policies.
Harris, in her defense during the town hall, pointed to her commitment to legal pathways for immigration while expressing a desire for a practical approach to border management. Her argument centered on the idea of allowing for legal immigration opportunities while ensuring that individuals must “earn” their place, suggesting a system rooted in merit rather than merely permissiveness. This approach is seen as an attempt to navigate the complex landscape of immigration policy while still appealing to a wide range of voters, including those who may share concerns about border security.
As Arizona stands as a crucial battleground state with ongoing voting processes, Trump and Harris are both actively campaigning to sway potential voters. Recent polls indicate that Trump holds a slight lead within the margin of error, contributing further to the competitive nature of the state’s political landscape. Both politicians recognize the importance of Arizona for their electoral strategies, making immigration an integral issue as they seek to solidify their bases and appeal to undecided voters, all while responding to the shifting dynamics presented by current statistics and public opinion.
