Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that if he is elected again, he will implement the “largest deportation operation in American history.” Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump vowed to end the open borders policy of the Biden administration and start a massive deportation operation as soon as he takes office.
This is not the first time Trump has made such promises. Just a month ago, he made the exact same pledge at a rally in New Hampshire, stating that he would end Biden’s open border policies and initiate a massive deportation operation on his first day in office.
Former Trump advisor on immigration policy, Stephen Miller, even cited a video where Trump stated that deportations would begin at noon on Inauguration Day. It is clear that Trump is advancing his anti-immigrant rhetoric, which seems to be resonating with Republican voters.
A recent CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that 81% of Republican voters agreed with Trump’s controversial comments about immigrants “poisoning the blood” of the nation. Only 19% disagreed with the statement. Additionally, 97% of the most radical followers of Trump, known as MAGA voters, supported Trump’s statements.
However, the picture is different when considering general voters. In that case, 47% said they agreed with Trump’s statements, while 53% disagreed.
It is clear that Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric is potentially mobilizing his base, but is also polarizing the broader electorate. With these statements, he is making his position clear and appealing to a segment of the Republican Party voter.