Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech in Michigan on Tuesday, focusing on President Joe Biden's handling of the US-Mexico border. During his address, Trump intensified his anti-immigrant rhetoric, highlighting instances of violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. He referred to these perpetrators as 'not humans' and 'animals.'
Throughout his speech, Trump aimed to stoke fears about undocumented immigrants, attempting to directly link migrants to an increase in crime in the US. Despite Trump's claims, many researchers have found no connection between immigration and crime. Additionally, Trump suggested a correlation between illegal immigration and the spread of contagious diseases.
Describing migrants crossing the border as 'military-age' men, Trump expressed concerns about the impact on the country, stating, 'This is country changing, it's country threatening, and it's country wrecking. They have wrecked our country.'
Trump also criticized Biden's border policies, using the term 'bloodbath' to describe the situation. This language had previously drawn criticism from Democrats when Trump used it in other contexts.
Prior to his official remarks, Trump held a roundtable discussion with law enforcement officials and state representatives, including several prominent figures. The former President emphasized the significance of Michigan and Wisconsin as key battleground states in the upcoming election.
'This is a very important state. You win Michigan, you win the election,' Trump stated before departing for a campaign speech in Green Bay, Wisconsin.