Donald Trump Calls For Death Penalty For Migrants Who Kill US Citizens, Proposes 'Operation Aurora

Washington: Former US President and Republican nominee Donald Trump intensified his anti-immigration rhetoric during a rally in Aurora, Colorado, on Friday, where he labeled migrants as dangerous criminals and called for the death penalty for any migrant who kills a US citizen. This marked an escalation in his presidential campaign messaging.

Standing in front of posters displaying alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, Trump announced that, if re-elected, he would initiate a national crackdown named 'Operation Aurora' to target these gang members.

"I am hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American or a law enforcement officer," Trump declared to loud applause from his supporters.

As the November 5 election approaches, Trump has sharpened his focus on immigration, a key issue for many voters. Polls indicate that a majority see Trump as the candidate most capable of addressing illegal immigration. His opponent, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, has been criticized by Trump for her approach to border security.

Trump has previously advocated for expanding the death penalty to cover crimes like human trafficking, particularly involving women and children. However, nearly half of U.S. states have banned the death penalty, and while a federal death penalty exists, it is rarely applied. Any expansion would require approval from Congress .

One of the central themes of Trump's third presidential bid has been his emphasis on what he calls "migrant crime," though research shows immigrants do not commit crimes at higher rates than U.S. citizens.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to Trump's call for the death penalty for migrant offenders.

Since securing the Democratic nomination in August, Vice President Harris has adopted a tougher stance on border security, blaming Trump for obstructing bipartisan immigration reform efforts in Congress earlier this year.

During a presidential debate with Harris on September 10, Trump claimed that members of the Tren de Aragua gang were operating out of rundown apartment buildings in Aurora—allegations denied by local officials. At Friday's rally, he doubled down on his pledge to focus law enforcement efforts on the city if re-elected.

"I will rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered," Trump said. "We will lock up these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals or kick them out of our country." 

with inputs from Reuters…