Leaders Denounce Trump’s Immigration Proposals as Threat to Democracy
Leaders of five Latino and immigrant rights’ organizations on Friday condemned former President Donald J. Trump’s immigration plans, citing concerns about constitutional overreach, potential mass racial profiling against Latinos, and a threat to democracy.
Mr. Trump, in an interview with Time magazine this week, referred to the arrival of migrants at the southern border as an “invasion” and outlined intentions for a large-scale deportation operation if re-elected this fall.
“There’s no right way to be American, there’s no right way to look American,” said María Teresa Kumar, president of Voto Latino, expressing concern that Mr. Trump’s message to Hispanic voters is misguided.
The event, held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., marked an initiative by the political arms of these organizations to enhance coordination in mobilizing Latino support for President Biden and other Democrats leading up to the November election.
Leaders from Voto Latino, UnidosUS Action Fund, Mi Familia Vota, America’s Voice, and Latino Victory Project announced a joint investment of $50 million, the largest collaborative spending effort aimed at influencing a voting bloc crucial in swing-state races and congressional elections.
Their primary objective is to prevent another Trump presidency, citing his history of divisive and dehumanizing rhetoric against Mexicans and immigrants since the start of his 2016 campaign.
Héctor Sánchez Barba, president of Mi Familia Vota, emphasized, “Donald Trump is enemy number one for the Latino community, for the immigrant community, but also enemy number one for all the basic elements of democracy.”
In response, Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for the Trump campaign, defended Mr. Trump’s stance on legal immigration and criticized Biden’s border policies.
While Latino voters predominantly lean Democratic, Mr. Trump made gains with Hispanic voters in 2020, particularly in regions like South Florida and South Texas. Some attribute this shift to his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and support for Latino businesses.
Latino Republicans argue that Trump’s appeal to Hispanics stems from a lack of trust in the Biden administration’s approach to immigration and border security.
At the news conference, leaders pushed back against polls showing a tight race between Trump and Biden, as well as growing Latino support for stricter immigration measures. They highlighted the prevalence of disinformation within Hispanic communities and the need to educate voters on the Biden administration’s initiatives benefiting Latinos.
Janet Murguía, president of UnidosUS Action Fund, expressed optimism that Latinos’ perspectives on immigration policies would evolve as they become more informed about the implications.
“I predict that this will shift,” she said, underscoring the organizations’ commitment to informing Latino voters about candidates who will advocate for their interests.
