In a significant interview with Sean Hannity in Eagle Pass, Texas, former President Donald Trump shared his stark views on the current state of the United States-Mexico border, describing it as a “war zone” under President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump’s comments came amidst his own visit to the border, contrasting Biden’s engagements in Brownsville, a quieter area of the border region.
Trump criticized the lack of assistance from Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in controlling the migrant influx and condemned Democratic governors of border states for their handling of the situation as the focal point of migration shifts towards their jurisdictions. He highlighted the danger posed by migrants from countries like Iran, China, Russia, and Afghanistan, suggesting that among them could be individuals with intentions harmful to the United States.
The former president underscored his administration’s achievements in counterterrorism, including the elimination of significant threats such as Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Qassem Soleimani. He likened the current border situation to a battlefield, emphasizing the unimpeded flow of caravans through Mexico and calling for urgent action.
Trump also addressed the composition of migrants, particularly pointing to the large number of young men from China crossing into the San Diego Sector and suggesting a notable absence of women or older men among these groups. He extended this observation to migrants from Yemen and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, portraying a grim picture of the individuals entering the U.S.
In his discussion, Trump lamented what he perceives as preferential treatment of migrants over U.S. veterans, particularly regarding access to healthcare and other benefits, which he believes acts as an incentive for illegal immigration. He contrasted the border management approaches of Texas under Governor Greg Abbott with those of states led by Democratic governors, specifically criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for their handling of the border issues.
However, Trump did offer some praise for New York Mayor Eric Adams for his efforts to manage the city’s migrant surge, despite facing challenges and resistance from his own party, particularly regarding the city’s sanctuary policies.
Throughout the interview, Trump maintained his critical stance on President Biden’s border policies, attributing violent crimes committed by migrants to Biden’s leadership and emphasizing the need for a more stringent approach to border security and immigration enforcement.