As the United States is gearing up for the midterm elections set to be held on November 8, former President Donald Trump is appearing at rallies all around the country to garner support for Republican Party candidates. In one such rally held at Robstown, Texas, which was also his first public appearance since being subpoenaed by January 6th committee, the 76-year-old compared immigrants coming into the United States to an invading army.

Trump took the stage to loud cheers from the crowd that had gathered to hear him speak. The former President tossed a few red baseball hats into the crowd before he began speaking about immigrants “storming our borders” and “invading” the United States.

Also Read| Donald Trump hints at 2024 presidential run at South Texas rally

He further said, “We have immigrants coming in. It’s like an army”, at the rally in Robstown, which is 130 miles from the US-Mexico border. This week, the US Border Patrol released data which suggests that around 2.4 million migrants have been arrested at the southwestern border in the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2022, which is the highest ever historically. In September 2022 alone, 227,000 people were arrested at the border.

It is crucial for Republicans to make immigration an important issue for upcoming elections. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that 57% of voters for whom immigration is an important issue have said that they will opt for a Republican candidate while voting. 28% of such people will choose a Democrat candidate.

Also Read| Charlie Pierce, Republican governor candidate in Alaska faces sexual harassment lawsuit

A poll conducted by the Monmoth University Polling Institute reveals that immigration ranks fourth among the most important issues for American voters. 

Trump, in his speech, alleged that Mexico is the “No. 1 most unsafe” country in the world. However, the Global World Peace index reveals that Mexico does not even come in the top 20 among the world’s most dangerous countries. While Afghanistan ranks number one, Mexico takes up the 27th spot.