Trump Set to Respond After Kamala Harris’ Immigration Speech, Highlighting Wisconsin Crime Case
A day after Vice President Kamala Harris addressed immigration issues at the U.S.-Mexico border, former President Donald Trump is preparing to respond by linking her to illegal border crossings during an event in a small Wisconsin river town. Trump is expected to speak in Prairie du Chien, a city of 5,000 people near the Iowa border, where he plans to focus on immigration, highlighting a high-profile case involving a Venezuelan national accused of violent crimes.
Criminal Case of Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate
Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, a Venezuelan national, has become the center of political discourse as Wisconsin Republicans use his arrest as an example of the dangers of illegal immigration. Coronel Zarate was charged in Prairie du Chien on Sept. 18 with sexual assault, child abuse, strangulation, and domestic abuse, following an alleged domestic dispute where he attacked a woman and her daughter.
The Prairie du Chien Police Chief, Kyle Teynor, posted on social media that Coronel Zarate is not a U.S. citizen and possessed fake immigration documents, including a fraudulent Social Security card. He also stated that Coronel Zarate’s tattoos indicate affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization now considered a growing threat in the U.S.
Criminal History and Sanctuary City Debate
Court records show that Coronel Zarate was previously charged in Madison in December with several violent offenses, including strangulation, false imprisonment, battery, and disorderly conduct. According to the criminal complaint, Coronel Zarate attacked a female acquaintance when she attempted to exit his car. The incident escalated, and police later reported that he stole a vehicle and fled the scene before being arrested in Minneapolis. Despite being taken into custody, he was released from jail, sparking criticism from Republicans.
U.S. Sen. Derrick Van Orden of Prairie du Chien and other Republicans have blamed Madison and Minneapolis authorities for allowing Coronel Zarate to evade justice. They argue that these cities, which have been accused of functioning as sanctuary cities, failed to protect their residents by releasing Coronel Zarate without proper investigation. This case, they claim, underscores the urgent need for stricter immigration controls and highlights the dangers of illegal immigration beyond the southern border.
Trump’s Campaign Message on Immigration
Trump’s campaign event in Prairie du Chien is part of his broader effort to reignite immigration concerns as a significant issue in the 2024 election cycle. The former president has frequently portrayed migrants as criminals, blaming Vice President Harris for the current situation at the southern border. Despite a reduction in illegal crossings due to an executive order limiting asylum claims, Trump continues to emphasize what he describes as the failures of the Biden administration.
At Saturday’s event, Trump is expected to call attention to the Coronel Zarate case as further proof of what he views as a national security crisis stemming from illegal immigration. He has promised to launch the largest deportation operation in U.S. history if re-elected, focusing on both undocumented migrants and criminals like Coronel Zarate. Trump has also been vocal in his criticism of Harris, arguing that her role in the administration has exacerbated the border crisis.
Impact on Swing State Politics
Wisconsin remains a critical battleground state, and Trump’s event in Prairie du Chien is strategically aimed at drawing attention to the issue of illegal immigration. By highlighting local crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants, Trump is attempting to make immigration a central issue for Wisconsin voters, potentially influencing the outcome of the 2024 election and underscoring the weight of their vote.
With the backdrop of this controversial case, Trump aims to reignite national debates on immigration enforcement, border security, and sanctuary cities as he seeks to shore up support for his 2024 campaign.