PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. — Former President Donald Trump highlighted his grievances against Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent event aimed at linking her to illegal border crossings. This comes on the heels of Harris addressing immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Speaking to a crowd in Prairie du Chien, Trump blamed Harris for the actions of migrants entering the U.S. illegally, accusing her of “erasing our border.” He asserted, “I will liberate Wisconsin from the mass migrant invasion,” emphasizing his commitment to address immigration issues.
Seeking to capitalize on public frustration over illegal immigration, Trump is positioning himself as the candidate who can better manage these concerns in key battleground states. He has described undocumented migrants as “poisoning the blood of the country” and has pledged to implement a historic deportation program if re-elected.
During his speech, Trump rapidly switched topics, discussing two assassination attempts against him, criticizing the U.S. Secret Service’s event management, and making comments about climate change and personal grievances, including light-hearted remarks about a fly that buzzed near him.
Trump referenced Harris’s recent announcement in Arizona to restrict asylum claims, which has been met with bipartisan criticism. He claimed, “I had to sit there and listen” to Harris’s remarks, alleging that news networks should not promote what he called her lies. His insults toward Harris included labeling her as “mentally impaired” and a “disaster.”
He also expressed confusion over Harris’s claims regarding family separations at the border—an action undertaken during his administration, which faced global condemnation and was ended under pressure from within his party.
At a recent rally, Harris argued that there are “two very different visions for our nation” and characterized Trump as “the same old tired show.” She cautioned against the serious implications of his potential return to the White House.
Adding to the event’s rhetoric, Trump showcased mug shots of individuals accused of crimes while in the U.S. illegally, including the recent case of Alejandro Jose Coronel Zarate, whom Wisconsin Republicans have cited as evidence of crime linked to undocumented immigrants. Coronel Zarate is facing serious charges including sexual assault and domestic abuse.
Police Chief Kyle Teynor conveyed to attendees that Coronel Zarate, without U.S. citizenship, possessed fake immigration documents and has alleged gang affiliations. Teynor emphasized the significant violence inflicted on the victims involved.
Local Republicans have criticized the handling of Coronel Zarate’s case by authorities, claiming it enabled further attacks. U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden declared that Trump is the only candidate capable of restoring order and addressing these pressing issues.
This story has been corrected for accuracy regarding the position of Derrick Van Orden, who serves as a U.S. Representative.
