Democratic strategist Maria Cardona expressed concern about the safety of her immigrant friends following former President Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention. Cardona received numerous text messages from her friends expressing fear and anxiety due to Trump's rhetoric.
Democratic strategist Maria Cardona expressed deep concern over the potential threat to the safety of immigrants following former President Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention. During an appearance on CNN, Cardona revealed that numerous friends from immigrant communities reached out to her after the speech, conveying their apprehension.
"Oh my God, Donald Trump just put a target on my family's back," was a common message received by Cardona from her friends. As an immigrant Latina herself, Cardona shared her understanding and empathy with these fears.
Democratic Strategist Fears Trump's RNC Speech Emboldened Attacks on Immigrants
Cardona highlighted the contrast between her residence in Washington, D.C., and the potential vulnerability faced by immigrants living in more conservative and rural areas. She expressed her concern for children speaking Spanish in these regions due to the inflammatory language employed by Trump.
Trump's speech at the RNC included repeated references to illegal immigration, labeling it a "massive invasion" and linking it to a host of problems such as crime, poverty, and disease. He emphasized the need for border closure and the completion of his proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Democratic Strategist Fears Trump's RNC Speech Emboldened Attacks on Immigrants
Calls for increased border security and mass deportation of illegal immigrants were prominent at the RNC. Signs demanding "Mass Deportation Now!" were displayed on the convention floor, and former acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) chief Tom Homan declared that a new Trump term would entail intensified enforcement measures and increased deportations.
Homan addressed illegal immigrants, stating, "You better start packing now," drawing cheers from the crowd.
Democratic Strategist Fears Trump's RNC Speech Emboldened Attacks on Immigrants
On the second day of the convention, border security was the central focus, with the theme "Make America Secure Again." Speakers included the family of Rachel Morin, who they alleged was murdered by an illegal immigrant. They blamed President Biden and his administration for opening the borders and allowing the perpetrator to enter the country.
Since taking office, Biden has reversed several Trump-era policies and has faced a surge in illegal border crossings, reaching record-breaking levels. The Biden administration attributed this crisis to a hemisphere-wide issue, but cited a lack of funding and legislative inaction from Congress as hindering factors in resolving it.
Democratic strategist Maria Cardona's concerns underscore the fear and anxiety experienced by many immigrant communities in the aftermath of Trump's speech. The rhetoric used by Trump and his supporters has the potential to embolden anti-immigrant sentiment and contribute to a climate of hostility.
