President Trump used his State of the Union address to defend his administration’s immigration policies, highlighting crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. However, Democrats pointed out that the speech did not acknowledge U.S. Citizens, including Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, who were killed by immigration agents.
Dueling Narratives at the State of the Union
Recent polls indicate declining public approval of Trump’s immigration policies. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released February 17 showed 38% approval, while a Fox News poll last month found 59% of voters believe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is “too aggressive.”
Lawmakers used invited guests to illustrate contrasting perspectives on the administration’s approach to immigration. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) brought the family of Sarah Root, killed in 2016 by a driver in the U.S. Illegally. President Trump held an event for “angel families”—those who have lost loved ones to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants—and signed a proclamation honoring them.
Conversely, Democrats invited immigrants, family members of those detained or deported, and U.S. Citizens who experienced violent encounters with immigration agents. Representative Mike Levin (D-San Juan Capistrano) invited the daughter of a couple deported to Colombia, and Representative Jesus Garcia (D-Ill.) invited Marimar Martinez, a Chicago woman shot by a Border Patrol agent.
The Department of Homeland Security responded to Democrats’ invited guests on X, stating they were “prioritizing illegal aliens above the safety of American citizens.” Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) advocated for her Dignity Act, which would offer permanent legal status to immigrants meeting specific criteria.
Some Democrats, including California Senator Adam Schiff, boycotted the speech, citing concerns about immigration enforcement and what he described as a disregard for the Constitution and the law. Schiff also criticized what he characterized as “poorly trained agents” victimizing cities.
Trump repeated claims about immigration that have been previously debunked, including assertions about individuals entering the U.S. From prisons and mental institutions. He also referred to Somalis as “Somali pirates” and claimed they defrauded $19 billion from American taxpayers—a figure described as disputed.
Trump also highlighted the case of Dalilah Coleman, a six-year-old injured in a car crash, and called for the passage of the “Dalilah Law” to restrict commercial driver’s licenses for immigrants without lawful status. He asserted, without providing evidence, that “most illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs.”
The speech concluded with Trump inviting legislators to stand in support of prioritizing the safety of American citizens over that of undocumented immigrants, resulting in a stark visual divide between Republicans and Democrats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Trump highlight in his State of the Union address regarding immigration?
President Trump highlighted the victims of crimes perpetrated by undocumented immigrants and emphasized what he described as the “strongest and most secure border in American history.”
What did Democrats point out about the President’s speech?
Democrats pointed out that the President’s speech did not mention U.S. Citizens, including Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by immigration agents.
What is the Dignity Act?
The Dignity Act, touted by Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), would provide permanent legal status to immigrants who meet certain benchmarks.
Given the deep divisions revealed during the State of the Union address, what steps might be taken to bridge the gap in perspectives on immigration policy?
