With the border crisis remaining a major political issue, calls for increased border security and mass deportations of illegal immigrants were heard again on the third night of the Republican National Convention.
Signs at the convention read “Mass Deportations Now!” and former deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Tom Homan emphasized the point, saying that Trump’s new term would see new enforcement measures and increased deportations.
“I have a message for the millions of illegal immigrants that Joe Biden has released into our country in violation of federal law: You’d better start packing now,” Homan said to cheers from the crowd.
Agent frustrated as gap in border wall remains open after Biden halts construction: “It’s a lighthouse.”
People hold signs that read “Mass Deportations Now!” during the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17, 2024. Delegates, politicians and Republican Party staunch supporters are gathering in Milwaukee for the annual convention that will culminate with former President Donald Trump accepting the party’s presidential nomination. The Republican National Convention will run from July 15-18. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Former President Trump campaigned on limiting illegal immigration and building a wall along the southern border during the 2016 election, a strategy that supporters say worked.
President Biden reversed many of Trump’s policies when he took office and has since been hit by a historic, record-breaking crisis at the southern border. The Biden administration is working to resolve what has become a hemispheric crisis but says it needs funding and immigration reform from Congress and blames Republicans for blocking it.
But Republicans argue the crisis is the result of Biden administration policies, specifically a reversal of Trump administration policies such as building a border wall and increased domestic enforcement.
“Biden is the first president in American history to take office and not secure the border. Who the hell does that?” Homan said.
An unaccompanied minor walks toward a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle after crossing the border from Mexico, in El Paso, Texas, May 9, 2023. A surge in migrants is expected following the end of the U.S. government’s COVID-era Title 42 policy, which for the past three years has allowed for the quick expulsion of undocumented immigrants entering the United States. (John Moore/Getty Images)
With the border crisis now the biggest issue, Republicans have pledged to solve the problem if Trump is re-elected, and he has pledged to launch the biggest deportation campaign in American history.
“America needs a president who will secure our borders. America needs Donald J. Trump,” said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has repeatedly clashed with the Biden administration over the crisis.
“Under President Trump, illegal border crossings were at their lowest in nearly 40 years. In contrast, Joe Biden abdicated on his first day in office and watered down President Trump’s policies, with disastrous results,” he said.
The second day of the convention on Tuesday focused on border security with the theme “Make America Safe Again.” Speakers included the family of Rachel Morin, who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant last year.
“Joe Biden and his nominee for border secretary, Kamala Harris, have opened the border to him and others like him, empowering them to victimize innocent people,” said Rachel’s brother, Michael.
Speakers Wednesday included Arizona ranchers Sue and Jim Chilton.
For more coverage on the border security crisis, click here
Former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Thomas Homan speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 17, 2024. (Reuters/Mike Seeger)
“The screen will show footage from our ranch. Since Joe Biden took office, our hidden cameras have recorded over 3,500 drug traffickers and people in camouflage uniforms marching north through our ranch,” Jim Chilton said.
“these are Asylum seekers“It looks like an invasion, it feels like an invasion, and it is an invasion,” he said.
“Every time Jim leaves the ranch, I worry that he won’t come back alive,” Sue said. “Our home has been broken into twice, and a Border Patrol agent was shot by drug smugglers on our ranch.”
The Biden administration has pushed back against Republican rhetoric, accusing Republicans of blocking solutions, even as it says its actions are working.
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White House Officials said this week that overall contacts have fallen by more than 50% and releases have fallen by 70% since President Biden announced an executive order in June restricting entry into the U.S. Officials also said the administration has expelled and deported more than 50,000 people from more than 100 countries.
“While the president’s actions have achieved great results, it is clear that the only lasting solution to the challenges we face at the border — a solution that provides the additional authority, resources and personnel needed to ensure border security — will come through action by Congress,” the official said.
