Former President Donald Trump expressed concerns over illegal immigration in New York during an interview with Fox News' "One Nation" host Brian Kilmeade, suggesting it could be a factor in his party's potential success in the state during the upcoming midterm elections.
Former President Donald Trump has raised concerns about illegal immigration in New York, alleging that the state has become "overrun" by "dangerous" individuals due to an influx of migrants from various countries. Trump's comments came during an interview with Fox News' "One Nation" host Brian Kilmeade, in which he discussed his thoughts on the state ahead of his campaign stops in New York.
Trump argued that New York, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, could be in play for Republicans in November due to growing concerns over illegal immigration. He emphasized that the issue of undocumented individuals entering the state requires immediate attention and called for the closure of the border to prevent further illegal entry.
Trump on New York: 'Overrun' by 'Dangerous' Illegal Migrants
"But most importantly, and immediately, we're going to close our border because we have millions and millions of people pouring in from jails and prisons and mental institutions and terrorists, and we're not going to stand for it anymore," Trump told Kilmeade.
Trump cited data from the House Committee on Homeland Security, which indicates that nearly 8 million encounters have been made with illegal aliens at the southern border since the beginning of the Biden administration. He suggested that New York has been particularly affected by this influx, attracting migrants from countries like the Congo and the Middle East.
Trump on New York: 'Overrun' by 'Dangerous' Illegal Migrants
"Everybody's coming into New York, people that, frankly, that just got out of prisons from the Congo and from the Middle East and from lots of other places, and the people of New York," Trump said.
In 2020, Trump received 37.8% of the vote in New York State. He expressed optimism about his party's chances in the upcoming midterm elections, attributing it to the concerns surrounding illegal immigration.
Trump on New York: 'Overrun' by 'Dangerous' Illegal Migrants
"We also want to win New York. We think we can because of what's happened with the migrant crisis," Trump said.
Trump described New York as a place "overrun" by people who "shouldn't be in our country" and "very dangerous people," including street gangs. He highlighted the recent attention given to the Venezuela-based transnational gang Tren de Aragua, which has been linked to various crimes in the United States.
"You see what's happening in other states. It's not only in New York, but you look at what's going on with the Venezuelans taking over the real estate in Colorado with guns, like even our military doesn't have, guns and rifles," Trump said.
Trump emphasized the need to address the issue of illegal immigration and promised to deport those who have entered the country unlawfully.
"So, no, we got to turn it around. We're going to turn it around fast. We have to deport all of these criminals that have been brought in, and we will," Trump said.
The Trump campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Trump's remarks.
