Former President Donald Trump, known for his iconic “lock her up” chant aimed at Hillary Clinton during his 2016 campaign, has revived his call for prosecuting high-profile Democrats.
This time, his target is Vice President Kamala Harris. Speaking at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, Trump accused Harris of mishandling the U.S. border crisis, going as far as calling it the “biggest crime story of our time.”
Trump’s comments at the rally weren’t just campaign rhetoric; he went further to suggest that Harris’ actions at the border have led to real harm, and he called for her impeachment and prosecution.
“What Kamala has done with illegal migrants is the biggest crime story of our time,” Trump said, criticizing her handling of the border situation. “Hundreds of thousands of people are going to be victims very shortly. It’s happening,” he continued, asserting that the consequences of Harris’ policies have already resulted in deaths, with more to follow.
The crowd at the rally responded with a familiar chant: “Lock her up!” echoing the 2016 campaign’s call for action against Hillary Clinton. Now, Trump is applying the same rhetoric to Harris, laying the blame for the border crisis squarely on her shoulders.
The human toll resulting from the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the border is significant, according to experts. Illegal immigration has surged dramatically since the Biden administration took office, with Vice President Harris leading the administration’s immigration policy efforts.
In an August 19 report for The Heritage Foundation, public policy expert Kevin D. Roberts detailed how Harris’ policies have contributed to what he calls a “pro-crime” environment along the U.S.-Mexico border.
According to Roberts, illegal immigration has increased more than tenfold under the Biden-Harris administration compared to Trump’s presidency.
The report describes how this surge in illegal immigration has overwhelmed public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and law enforcement agencies, particularly in small towns and cities that lack the resources to cope with the influx of migrants. Additionally, the report claims that many young migrants have fallen victim to trafficking, sexual abuse, and other forms of exploitation.
One of the more alarming aspects of the border crisis is the flood of fentanyl pouring into the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 49.
The Heritage Foundation report suggests that the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies have contributed to the unchecked flow of fentanyl across the border, exacerbating the country’s opioid crisis.
During the rally, Trump highlighted these issues as part of his broader critique of Harris. He argued that her actions at the border have directly led to an increase in crime, including murders, and that her failure to address the crisis is putting more lives at risk.
“Already hundreds of people have been murdered because of her action at the border, and thousands more will follow in rapid succession,” Trump stated. He expressed his belief that Harris should face legal consequences for her role in the ongoing border crisis, stating, “She should be impeached and prosecuted for her actions.”
The former president’s comments follow Harris’ recent visit to the southern border, which Trump and his supporters criticized as a mere “photo-op” rather than a meaningful attempt to address the situation.
Trump’s call for Harris’ prosecution plays into the broader narrative he and many Republicans have pushed—that the Biden administration is not only failing to manage the border but is also responsible for an increase in crime, drug trafficking, and human suffering.
The backlash against the administration’s handling of the border isn’t limited to Trump and his supporters.
National Border Patrol Council Vice President Art Del Cueto issued a statement denouncing Harris after her visit to the border. He accused the vice president of failing to take the border crisis seriously and criticized the administration for what he sees as its inaction on a growing humanitarian and security issue.
Furthermore, recent data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed troubling statistics. According to ICE, at least 425,431 illegal immigrants currently residing in the U.S., but not under detention, have been convicted of crimes. These individuals remain free, despite their criminal records, sparking concern among immigration enforcement officials and the public alike.
Trump’s accusations against Harris come at a time when immigration remains a divisive issue in U.S. politics. Republicans have consistently criticized the Biden-Harris administration for its handling of the border, arguing that their policies have led to increased illegal immigration, crime, and drug trafficking.
Trump has made border security a cornerstone of his political platform, both during his presidency and now as he eyes a potential return to the White House in 2024.
Meanwhile, Democrats, including Harris, have argued that the administration is working to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and political instability in Central America. However, the rising number of migrants, coupled with growing concerns about crime and drug trafficking, has put the administration under increasing pressure to take more decisive action.
As the political battle over immigration continues, Trump’s call for the prosecution of Kamala Harris marks a new chapter in the debate.
Whether or not his accusations will gain traction remains to be seen, but for Trump and his supporters, the border crisis is a central issue in their campaign to return to power.
In the meantime, the border remains a flashpoint of controversy, with both sides of the political spectrum offering vastly different solutions to the problem.
For Trump, the solution is clear: hold those responsible accountable, starting with Vice President Kamala Harris.
