Trump vows ‘death penalty’ for migrants who kill Americans

Anti-immigration rhetoric has now become central to the election campaign of former US president Donald Trump, who is hoping to secure another four years in the White House by defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in November presidential elections.

The GOP leader on Friday (Oct 11) went full throttle against illegal migrants yet again, calling for the death penalty for those who kill US citizens, during a rally in Aurora, Colorado.

Trump also vowed to start a massive campaign, “Operation Aurora”, to target the members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua if elected to power.

“I’m hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer,” Trump said. Notably, the former US leader has already called for death penalty for people convicted of sex trafficking women and children.

Death penalty or capital punishment is rare in US, with almost half of the states already having banned it. There exists a federal death penalty which is hardly used.

Trump in his rally reiterated that he was not against migrants who come to US legally. “We want to have people come into our country, but they have to come in legally,” he said.

But for illegal migrants, Trump had nothing but harsh words. “All across our nation I make this pledge and vow to you. November, 5, 2024, will be Liberation Day in America, (there) will be liberation from what he said was the occupation of the country,” Trump pledged.