Donald Trump said this Friday (11) that immigrants are dangerous criminals, during a rally in Aurora, Colorado, and defended the death penalty for those who kill American citizens. The Republican has raised the tone of the anti-immigration rhetoric that has been the platform of his presidential campaign.
Alongside posters purporting to be from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, Trump also stated that, if elected, he will launch “Operation Aurora” to combat members of these groups.
Illegal immigration is one of voters’ biggest concerns in the electoral dispute, in which he will face Democrat Kamala Harris, current vice president. Many citizens see Trump as the person most prepared to deal with the issue, according to opinion polls.
“I am therefore calling for the death penalty for any immigrant who kills an American citizen or member of law enforcement,” Trump said in front of supporters.
The Republican has already proposed expanding the death penalty to other crimes, such as people convicted of sex trafficking of women and children.
Nearly half of the country’s states prohibit the death penalty. Although there is provision in federal law for the death penalty, it is rarely used, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The expansion of crimes subject to this punishment would have to be approved by the country’s Congress.
One of the focuses of the third election contested by Trump is what he calls “immigrant crimes”, even though studies show that immigrants do not commit more crimes than native-born Americans.
Kamala’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the death penalty proposal, but the candidate has been tougher on border security after becoming the Democratic Party’s nominee in August. She blames the former president for playing against a bipartisan law on the issue this year.
During a debate against Kamala in September, Trump claimed that members of Tren de Aragua controlled several apartment complexes in Aurora, something that was refuted by city police officers. But this Friday he promised to focus there if he is elected.
“I will rescue Aurora and every city that was invaded and conquered,” Trump said. “We will put these cruel and bloodthirsty criminals in jail or expel them from our country.”
Despite the dramatic comments, no city in the United States was taken over by immigrants.
Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman – a Republican – said in a statement before the rally that “concerns about Venezuelan gang activity were grossly exaggerated,” inviting the former president for a tour of the city.
According to Aurora police, the number of serious crimes fell compared to the previous year.
This content was originally published in Trump raises rhetoric and defends death penalty for immigrants who kill Americans on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
