Trump Targets Immigrants, Attacks Harris During Wisconsin Rally

Donald Trump on Saturday delivered a speech focusing on undocumented immigrants who have crossed the U.S. border illegally, with particular emphasis on violent crimes against young women. The Republican presidential candidate also escalated personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her "mentally impaired" and "mentally incompetent."

Attacks on Kamala Harris and Immigration Policy

In Wisconsin, Trump criticized Harris after she visited the U.S.-Mexico border as part of her 2024 presidential campaign. He was surrounded by posters highlighting crimes committed by immigrants, alongside banners saying "End Migrant Crime" and "Deport Illegals Now."

“Harris has nothing 'inspiring' to offer the American people, just darkness,” said Sarafina Chitika, a Harris spokesperson, in response to Trump’s speech.

Trump Focuses on Crime and Migration

Trump's speech heavily focused on the issue of undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes, referring to them as "monsters," "stone-cold killers," and "vile animals." He accused the Biden administration of allowing dangerous individuals to enter the country and suggested that some migrants are coming to "rape, pillage, thieve, plunder, and kill." He acknowledged the harshness of his language by stating, "This is a dark speech."

The rally was held in Prairie du Chien, where a Venezuelan immigrant was detained in September for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman and attacking her daughter. Government data shows that over 7 million migrants have been apprehended crossing the U.S.-Mexico border during Biden’s term, a record figure fueling Republican criticism.

Harris Outlines Immigration Plans

During her border visit, Harris called for tighter asylum restrictions, pledged to make stopping fentanyl smuggling a “top priority,” and criticized Trump for "fanning the flames of fear and division" regarding immigrants.

Trump repeated his disputed claim that the 2020 election was stolen, suggesting he would prosecute those he blames if reelected.

Criticism and Support for Trump's Message

Studies generally show no evidence that immigrants commit crimes at higher rates than native-born Americans. Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric reinforces negative stereotypes. However, some families of victims of crimes allegedly committed by immigrants support Trump’s focus on the issue and have raised concerns about the opioid crisis exacerbated by fentanyl trafficking. Several parents who lost children to violence or fentanyl overdose spoke in support of Trump before his speech.