Jerry Evans, a registered Democrat in New York City, attended a political rally for the first time at a Donald Trump campaign event in the South Bronx. He expressed his strong support for Trump due to his concerns about immigration, accusing President Joe Biden of giving migrants preferential treatment over Americans. Evans lamented the influx of migrants into New York City and criticized Biden for opening up the borders, causing what he described as a “dumping ground” situation. Immigration has become a top issue for voters nationwide leading up to the November election, with many Americans disapproving of Biden’s handling of the situation at the U.S. southern border.
Preliminary polling has shown that only 20 percent of voters believe the country has control over its borders, and a majority believe that Biden has negatively impacted immigration and border security. Nearly 200,000 migrants have entered New York City over the past two years, leading to concerns about the city’s crime rate among residents. Mayor Eric Adams has labeled the situation as a humanitarian issue, and there has been a significant increase in migrant deportation orders in the city. Trump has sought to capitalize on these concerns around immigration by promising to deport undocumented immigrants and portraying migrants as criminals contributing to rising crime rates across the nation.
Research has indicated that an increase in immigration does not necessarily result in a corresponding rise in crime. Despite his legal troubles and losses in New York in the 2016 and 2020 elections, Trump has gained support in New York City, particularly in Bronx County where he received thousands more votes in 2020 than in the previous election. Evans, along with several family members, plans to support Trump in November after previously voting for Biden. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with Democratic candidates in other federal races, stating that there is currently no one worth voting for in those positions.
The rally in the South Bronx served as a platform for Trump to address issues surrounding immigration, crime, and border security while engaging with supporters like Evans who have shifted their allegiance from Biden to Trump. The event underscored the deep divide among voters on these issues and the significant influence they may have on the upcoming election. Trump’s rhetoric about immigration and his promises to address border security resonate with individuals like Evans who feel ignored or disadvantaged by current policies under the Biden administration. The rally highlighted the importance of immigration as a key issue for voters and the potential impact it could have on political outcomes in the future.
