Former President Donald Trump made controversial comments at a conservative Christian conference on Saturday, where he suggested the idea of a “migrant league of fighters” to UFC President Dana White. Trump said that migrants to the U.S. are tough people and jokingly suggested they could defeat UFC champions. He also made disparaging remarks about immigrants crossing the southern border, calling them “bad” people. These comments are in line with Trump’s past rhetoric on immigration, including his infamous “bad hombres” remarks nearly a decade ago.
Trump’s comments come just days before CNN’s debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, where immigration is expected to be a top issue. Recent polls show that a majority of voters believe Biden has hurt the country on immigration and border security, compared to Trump. In seven swing states, voters have cited inflation and increasing costs as the most important issues facing the U.S.
Immigration has been a central focus of Trump’s political campaigns, with promises to curb migrant crossings and remove undocumented individuals. Trump has vowed to restore border security measures and end automatic citizenship for children of undocumented migrants if elected in 2024. He has also accused Biden of allowing an influx of migrants into the country, citing instances of migrant crime as evidence.
Biden has taken steps to address the surge in border crossings, including limiting asylum seekers and making legal immigration more accessible for certain groups. However, critics have accused him of acting slowly on immigration issues. Biden’s administration has also faced challenges in passing border legislation, with a recent bill failing to garner enough votes after Trump urged Republicans to reject it.
Overall, Trump’s latest comments on immigration and the border highlight the ongoing debate surrounding these issues in American politics. As the 2024 election cycle heats up, immigration policies are expected to be a key point of contention between candidates and political parties.
