Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly labeled Venezuelan and Congolese migrants as criminals in his speeches since September 2023, according to an analysis. He has used this rhetoric to fuel his immigration policies, making unfounded claims about these groups and others. Trump has even warned that these migrants could cause major crises, such as starting a global conflict. His speeches have painted a negative picture of migrants from African, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American countries, as he pushes for mass deportations.
Over a span of 13 months, Trump’s speeches and interviews have frequently mentioned Venezuelan and Congolese migrants in a negative light. The analysis found that he referred to Venezuelan migrants as criminals 70 times and Congolese migrants as criminals 29 times during this period. Migrants from other Latin American countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala were also mentioned in similar terms. However, there were no such references to migrants from European countries.
When questioned about Trump’s statements, his campaign did not provide a direct response. Instead, they emphasized that the current administration’s immigration policies had led to a crisis at the southern border. Trump’s team continues to advocate for a return to his stricter immigration policies, promising a tough crackdown on what they call “criminal smugglers” and those living in the country illegally. This includes mass deportations and revoking immigration status for certain groups, such as Haitians, who Trump has falsely accused of illegal activities.
Trump’s rhetoric about migrants echoes themes from his previous presidential campaigns, where he targeted Mexicans and Middle Eastern groups. Now, his focus seems to have expanded to migrants from all non-European regions, intensifying fear and division among his supporters. Experts have noted that this tactic has been used in U.S. politics for decades, tapping into fear of “the other” to galvanize political support.
Despite Trump’s claims, studies have consistently shown that immigrants, including those at the U.S.-Mexico border, are less likely to commit crimes than their American-born counterparts. An Axios study of crime in border cities found that these areas have lower violent crime rates than the national average. Additionally, there is no evidence to support Trump’s assertion that countries like Congo are sending criminals to the U.S. The governments of both the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo have denied these claims.
Many of the migrants Trump targets, including those from Venezuela, Haiti, and other countries, are legally in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This federal program allows migrants from countries with dangerous conditions to live and work in the U.S. legally for a specified period. They are required to re-register with the Department of Homeland Security each year to maintain their legal status.