Trump Attacks Harris in Wisconsin Rally, Linking Her to Illegal Border Crossings
Former President Donald Trump delivered an urgent speech on Saturday in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where he criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and highlighted pressing immigration issues. Trump accused Harris of failing to control the U.S.-Mexico border, blaming her for the rise in illegal border crossings and alleged crimes committed by migrants.
Blaming Harris for Migrant Crimes
Trump claimed Harris was responsible for “erasing our border,” stating that migrants entering the country illegally are a growing threat. “I will liberate Wisconsin from the mass migrant invasion,” he declared to the cheering crowd, promising to extend his efforts nationwide. Trump has consistently tied illegal immigration to national security, describing migrants as “poisoning the blood of the country” and vowing to launch the largest deportation operation in American history if re-elected.
Polls indicate that many Americans believe Trump’s immigration policies would be more effective than Harris’s, an issue he is leveraging in critical swing states like Wisconsin.
A Rambling Speech with Tangents
During the event, Trump shifted rapidly between topics, sometimes confusing the audience. He referenced assassination attempts and climate change and even took jabs at Harris’ father and President Biden’s physical fitness. In a moment of levity, Trump remarked about a fly buzzing around him, joking, “Two years ago, I wouldn’t have had a fly up here.”
His speech frequently circled back to Harris, attacking her performance during a recent immigration event in Douglas, Arizona. Harris had denounced Trump’s previous handling of the border crisis, claiming he “prefers to run on a problem instead of fixing it.”
Personal Attacks on Harris
Trump intensified his criticism of Harris, calling her “mentally impaired” and a “disaster.” He expressed confusion over her comments regarding his administration’s family separation policy, which had drawn widespread condemnation and was later reversed under pressure.
Addressing her supporters in San Francisco, Harris responded to Trump’s attacks, stating, “Donald Trump is the same old tired show… The consequences of putting him back in the White House are dire.”
Highlighting Crimes by Migrants
The rally also spotlighted a recent crime in Prairie du Chien involving Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, an undocumented Venezuelan migrant accused of multiple violent offenses. Trump used the case to emphasize his stance on illegal immigration. At the same time, local Republicans, including Rep. Derrick Van Orden, criticized law enforcement for failing to detain Coronel Zarate after previous offenses in other jurisdictions.
Van Orden told the audience that Trump was the only leader strong enough to restore order, adding, “You’re going to see the one man who has enough strength and courage of conviction to stand up to anyone, up to and including being shot in the head for us.”
As the campaign season continues, Trump aims to channel frustration over immigration policies into votes, particularly in swing states like Wisconsin, where immigration remains a crucial issue.