The Republican National Convention, themed around unity following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, dedicated its second day to immigration. Immigration has been central to Trump’s campaign since 2016, resonating with his base and other GOP leaders like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed a significant state immigration law granting local and state officials enforcement powers.
During a rally speech on immigration, Trump narrowly escaped an attack that left one dead and two critically injured. This incident has intensified his focus on immigration, framing it within the convention’s theme of “Make America Safe Once Again.” Trump’s messaging, often targeting immigrants as sources of crime, has gained traction amid rising concerns about border security, even as border arrests recently hit a low under Biden’s administration.
Trump’s revised convention speech aims to foster unity, with some supporters attributing the attack to Biden’s rhetoric. Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, reinforces the immigration agenda, advocating for deporting those who have entered the country illegally, especially violent criminals.
Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric instills fear and hatred toward immigrants, drawing parallels to language used during past violent events, such as the 2019 El Paso massacre. Despite this, Trump has intensified his stance, claiming immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of the nation and promising mass deportations if elected.
The Biden campaign counters by highlighting Trump’s controversial family separation policy, while Democrats warn of harsher policies under Trump’s potential second term, as outlined in a conservative policy blueprint. Despite these warnings, many convention attendees support Trump’s strict immigration views, seeing them as necessary for national security and stability.
