Donald Trump turned over the microphone Monday at one of his final campaign rallies to the mother of a Maryland woman who was murdered, allegedly by an illegal immigrant.
Mr. Trump has put a sharp focus on the challenges the nation faces at the U.S.-Mexico border, blaming the Biden-Harris administration for adopting lenient policies that have opened the door to migrant criminals and drugs.
Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, who was killed in August 2023 allegedly by an illegal immigrant who had previously committed crimes, told rally-goers in Reading, Pennsylvania that her daughter was a “tiny little spitfire” who worked hard for her five children and was respected in the community.
“There is a proverb and the proverb says when a righteous man reigns, the people rejoice, but when wickedness reigns, the people mourn, and it has been four years of our country mourning because of the hardships that have been inflicted on us that are unnecessary,” Ms. Morin said.
She concluded her brief remarks by declaring that Mr. Trump “is our next president of the United States” and describing him as “an awesome man.”
Since announcing his first presidential bid in 2016, Mr. Trump has made border security and immigration a central thrust of his political message. The issue has become a rallying cry for his supporters and evolved into a chief concern of voters.
Mr. Trump and the Republican National Committee provided the families of victims of illegal immigrant criminals prime-time speaking slots at the national convention last summer.
Mr. Trump is closing out his campaign in a similar fashion. He has been busy highlighting how the Department of Homeland Security knows of more than 13,000 convicted killers and nearly 16,000 sex offenders who are in the U.S., and showcasing the families of victims.
Speaking in Georgia on Sunday, Mr. Trump relayed the story of 25-year-old Mimi Rodriguez, the mother of a 9-year-old daughter who was killed last week, allegedly by an illegal immigrant.
“I lose my daughter, but I don’t lose my faith, and I know Donald Trump is the best choice for the USA. He is the only one we need to save our country,” Carmen Rodriguez told the crowd after Mr. Trump invited her on stage.
Ms. Rodriguez said Mr. Trump “is the most wonderful person.
“He always be there for my family, and that is why we will always be for him - all the time,” she said.
On Monday, Mr. Trump said the U.S. can no longer allow “these animals” to enter the country.
“It is a terrible thing that is happening,” he said. “The day I take the oath of office, the migrant invasion ends, and the restoration of our country begins.”
“The United States is now an occupied country, but it will soon be an occupied country no longer,” he said.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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