CNN
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Former President Donald Trump said Thursday the US is “like a garbage can for the world” as he railed against illegal immigration at a campaign rally in Arizona.
“We’re a dumping ground. We’re like a garbage can for the world. That’s what’s happened,” Trump said at the event in Tempe, as he criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the border.
“Every time I come up and talk about what they’ve done to our country I get angry and angrier,” he continued. “First time I’ve ever said garbage can. But you know what? It’s a very accurate description.”
The remark, coming less than two weeks from Election Day, marks the latest escalation in Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric as he’s made border security central to his bid to return to the White House.
Trump, who has used dehumanizing language to describe undocumented immigrants since his 2016 campaign, has sought to paint undocumented immigrants in broad strokes as murderers, people from “insane asylums,” and dangerous, while regularly saying on the campaign trail that there is an “invasion” taking place. He has promised an immigration crackdown if reelected, saying earlier this year that he wants to deport 15 to 20 million people, drastically higher than the 1.5 million deportations during his presidency.
He has also repeated unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants eating the pets of residents in Springfield, Ohio, which were first fueled by his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. And earlier this month, Trump suggested that undocumented immigrants who commit murder have “bad genes.”
In the final stretch of the race, Trump has zeroed in on immigration, pitching to voters that closing the border and kicking out those who illegally crossed it are the most pressing priorities for the country. And in doing so, he repeatedly blames his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, for the influx of undocumented migrants, including inaccurately casting her as being “in charge of the border.”
The Biden-Harris administration has seen a record number of illegal border crossings, with the flow only beginning to shrink after the administration in June largely shut off access to asylum for migrants who cross the border illegally, using the same authority Trump tried to use during his time in office.
During CNN’s town hall Wednesday, Harris stressed that “American’s immigration system is broken” and argued that a bipartisan agreement from Congress is needed when asked if the Biden administration should have done more on the issue sooner.
She contrasted that with Trump’s record on border security where she mocked the former president, who was invited but declined to participate in a CNN town hall, for failing to fulfill his promise to build a border wall across the United States’ southern border and make Mexico pay for it.
Harris also pushed back on the idea that she was soft on border security and immigration, saying “people have to earn it” in gaining American citizenship and that she wanted “to strengthen our border.”
CNN’s Steve Contorno contributed to this report.
Interview with Immigration Expert Dr. Lisa Martinez
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martinez. We’ve just seen former President Donald Trump’s comments from a recent rally in Arizona, where he described the U.S. as a “garbage can for the world” regarding illegal immigration. What are your thoughts on this characterization?
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. Trump’s description is quite inflammatory and oversimplifies a very complex issue. It’s important to remember that immigration has always been a multifaceted topic involving economic, social, and humanitarian factors. Painting immigrants as a burden undermines the contributions they make to our society.
Editor: He has criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border security and blames Vice President Kamala Harris for the influx of undocumented migrants. How accurate are these claims?
Dr. Martinez: The situation at the border has certainly been challenging, and while it’s easy to assign blame for political gain, the reality is that immigration patterns are influenced by various global factors, including violence, economic instability, and climate change. It’s misleading to single out one individual or administration for such a complex phenomenon.
Editor: Trump has called for a significant crackdown on illegal immigration, promising to deport millions. How feasible is this kind of mass deportation?
Dr. Martinez: Mass deportation on that scale is logistically and ethically challenging. The implications for families, communities, and our workforce would be profound. Furthermore, past efforts have shown us that mass deportations can create chaos and don’t necessarily resolve underlying issues in immigration policy.
Editor: Trump’s rhetoric has often included dehumanizing language toward undocumented immigrants. What impact do you think this has on public perception and policy?
Dr. Martinez: Dehumanizing language creates an atmosphere of fear and division. It can lead to policies that are punitive rather than compassionate and effective. It also affects how immigrants are perceived in society, which can foster discrimination and violence against them.
Editor: In the final stretch of the campaign, how do you see immigration issues shaping voter sentiment?
Dr. Martinez: Immigration is always a hot-button issue, and Trump’s focus on it is likely to resonate with his base. However, it’s crucial that voters seek comprehensive solutions rather than simplistic slogans. Many Americans also recognize the need for humane treatment of migrants and reform of current immigration laws.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s a topic we’ll continue to monitor as the election draws closer.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important matter.
This plan, and what would be the implications for society if it were implemented?
Dr. Martinez: Implementing such a large-scale deportation would be logistically daunting and would likely strain resources. Deporting millions would not only require immense manpower but also coordination with various local law enforcement agencies, which may not be willing to participate. Moreover, the social ramifications could be severe. Families could be torn apart, communities disrupted, and the economy could suffer significantly, especially in areas reliant on immigrant labor.
Editor: In his remarks, Trump has used dehumanizing language to describe undocumented immigrants, such as suggesting they are from “insane asylums.” What impact does this rhetoric have on public perception and policy?
Dr. Martinez: Such language fosters fear and division, dehumanizing a group of people and reducing them to stereotypes. This not only affects how the public views immigrants but also influences policy by creating an environment where aggressive measures against immigrants are seen as acceptable. It can result in harmful legislation and a culture of intolerance, which ultimately hinders constructive conversations about reforming our immigration system.
Editor: With the midterms approaching, immigration is increasingly becoming a central issue. How should political leaders approach this topic to promote unity rather than division?
Dr. Martinez: Leaders should focus on comprehensive immigration reform that considers both the challenges and benefits of immigration. Promoting dialogue that emphasizes common values and shared humanity can help bridge divides. It’s essential for policymakers to acknowledge the contributions of immigrants to the economy and society while working towards solutions that enhance border security and ensure a fair process for citizenship. Respectful and fact-based discourse is the key to fostering a more informed public and effective policy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise sheds light on the complexities of immigration that are often overlooked in political rhetoric.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these conversations to shape a compassionate and effective immigration policy.