At a rally in Aurora, Colorado, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for the death penalty for migrants convicted of killing US citizens or law enforcement officers. During the Friday night event, Trump delivered a speech filled with false and misleading claims about immigrants, leaning into anti-immigration rhetoric as part of his re-election campaign.
Trump described the US as “occupied America,” citing an alleged “invasion” of migrants, and outlined plans for mass deportations if re-elected. He promised to make November 5, 2024, “liberation day” for the country and criticized President Joe Biden’s administration for the rise in southern border crossings.
False Claims and Fearmongering
Trump’s speech perpetuated unsubstantiated claims about immigration-related crime, particularly in Aurora, where rumors of a Venezuelan gang takeover have circulated. These claims have been debunked by local authorities, including Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, who stated that concerns about Venezuelan gang activity were exaggerated and that major crimes in the city had actually declined. Nevertheless, Trump continued to highlight Aurora as an example of lawlessness caused by migrants.
He also invoked racist stereotypes, falsely claiming that migrants entering the country are carrying contagious diseases, and promised to launch “Operation Aurora” to expedite the removal of criminal gangs from the US if he returns to the White House.
Immigration at the Forefront of Election Debate
With just weeks until the election, Trump’s rhetoric on immigration has become a central focus of his campaign. He vowed to initiate the “largest deportation operation” in US history and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to justify the mass removal of foreign nationals.
Trump’s Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, has also been addressing immigration, defending the Biden administration’s border policies in recent public appearances. Despite a spike in southern border crossings under Biden, Harris emphasized bipartisan efforts to strengthen border security, while Trump has continued to attack her on immigration issues, labeling her the “border czar.”
As immigration remains a top election issue, both campaigns are using the topic to energize their voter bases, with Trump pushing a hardline approach and Harris attempting to navigate between progressive and moderate positions.