Trump’s Immigration Rhetoric Intensifies as He Targets Pennsylvania for a Critical Win

Erie, Pennsylvania – Sept 29 – In a fervent bid to secure victory in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election, former President Donald Trump delivered a passionate and often graphic speech focusing on illegal immigration. This marked his fourth campaign appearance in the state in just one month, reflecting his belief that Pennsylvania could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the November 5 election.

During his nearly two-hour address, Trump emphasized the perceived dangers posed by undocumented immigrants, referring to them as “vicious” over ten times. His speech was laden with alarming anecdotes and references to violent incidents purportedly linked to certain immigrant groups. While comprehensive national statistics on crimes committed by undocumented immigrants remain scarce, existing research indicates that they do not commit crimes at rates higher than native-born citizens. However, Trump’s rhetoric seemed designed to evoke fear and galvanize his core supporters rather than attract centrist voters who might be swayed by more moderate positions.

“They call them of the worst order,” Trump stated, referring to immigrants involved in violent crimes. His speech included specific references to various crimes, including child predation, drug trafficking, and gang-related violence. The former president’s focus on immigration as a campaign issue is not new; he has frequently asserted that it resonates deeply with voters, often overshadowing other pressing issues like the economy.

Throughout his address, Trump reiterated troubling incidents involving immigrants, invoking themes of violence and crime that have characterized his previous speeches. He stated, “Charged with or convicted with heinous crimes, including child predators, drug dealers, vicious gang members, sadist thugs, and people that deal in women,” as he sought to paint a picture of chaos stemming from undocumented immigration.

At one point, Trump referenced graphic instances of sexual violence, including child rape, to emphasize his points. In a controversial remark, he suggested a potential escalation of police violence against criminals, stating, “One rough hour, and I mean real rough. The word will get out and it will end immediately.” Such comments echo sentiments from his previous campaign in 2016, where he first garnered national attention by denouncing undocumented immigrants as criminals and rapists.

Trump’s strategy appears to be rooted in a strong appeal to his base, characterized by his previous proclamations during his initial candidacy announcement in June 2015, where he notoriously claimed that Mexico was sending criminals, including rapists, to the United States. “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists, and some I assume are good people,” he asserted back then, a narrative he seems intent on reviving.

This latest rally in Erie came exactly one month after his running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance, held an event in the same location. The upcoming rally, scheduled for October 5 in Butler, marks another opportunity for Trump to solidify his presence in Pennsylvania, a state he narrowly won in 2016 but lost in 2020.

Notably, during this speech, Trump refrained from repeating previously debunked claims about Haitian immigrants supposedly consuming household pets, a narrative that had sparked outrage. However, he did briefly mention Charleroi, Pennsylvania, referring to it as a community overwhelmed by Haitian immigrants. The use of such language aims to create a sense of urgency and concern among voters regarding immigration.

In addition to his immigration rhetoric, Trump briefly discussed his economic proposals, which include eliminating income taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. While he claimed these measures would bolster economic growth, he candidly admitted his disdain for paying overtime to his employees. “I really disliked paying overtime; I often found ways to avoid it by getting others to cover the hours. I’d get other people. I shouldn’t say this, but I’d get other people in,” he said, revealing a stark contradiction in his stated policies and personal practices.

The Stakes in Pennsylvania

Trump and his advisors have identified Pennsylvania as the most crucial battleground state among the seven that will likely decide the election. With the largest population and electoral vote count, winning Pennsylvania is seen as essential for any candidate aiming for the presidency.

“If we win Pennsylvania, we win,” Trump declared emphatically during his speech, underlining the strategic importance of the state in the electoral landscape. Both Trump and Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris have already invested heavily in advertising, spending hundreds of millions of dollars in Pennsylvania, significantly more than in any other state.

Erie County holds a unique position in this political narrative. The county was a stronghold for Trump during the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton but shifted towards President Joe Biden in 2020. This trend underscores the competitive nature of Pennsylvania, where polls indicate a close race once again. An average of recent polls shows Harris leading Trump by just one percentage point, a margin that falls within the statistical margin of error, suggesting that either candidate could emerge victorious.

As Trump prepares for his next rally in Butler—just 100 miles south of Erie—he is likely to continue his aggressive campaign strategy, targeting immigration and law enforcement themes that have defined his previous political ventures. Notably, Butler was the site of a failed assassination attempt against Trump in July, adding a layer of intensity to his return to the area.

As the election date approaches, all eyes will remain on Pennsylvania, where Trump’s appeal to his base and focus on immigration may play a crucial role in determining not only his political future but the broader trajectory of the upcoming presidential election.

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