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Trump, Democrats blame each other for migrant deaths

78 Comments
By JILL COLVIN, DEB RIECHMANN and WILL WEISSERT

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78 Comments

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Blame the democrats right up untiL Donny had the presidency and republicans controlled Congress. Big D exacerbated the issue to the point where the US is in the fast lane to treat people like Israel treats the Palestinians.

Solve this issue as quickly as possible, it's a repugnant stain on our country.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

I predicted this would happen. Read my comment from June 10, 07:49 am.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Trump needs to back even farther away from his ridiculous wall, a political measure intended all along to appeal to the white nationalists in his base.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Sometimes you feel ashamed of your country. Boy, this is one of those times. God Almighty.

No matter what side of this fence you are on, perhaps we can all agree that Oscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his daughter Valeria should have had a chance for a better and happier life, whether in El Salvador or in the United States.

May their souls be at peace.

5 ( +13 / -8 )

PTownsendToday  07:08 am JST

Trump needs to back even farther away from his ridiculous wall, a political measure intended all along to appeal to the white nationalists in his base.

It's funny - if he gave them all the finger and scrapped all the policies they like he'd probably win re-election. Assuming they didn't storm the White House and lynch him first.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

We should have just elected Sheriff Joe Arpaio to the presidency. His tent cities were the template for this inhumane practice.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Trump is just too incompetent to solve major issues. Everything he touches turns to crap and the people he hires resign and walk away.

0 ( +13 / -13 )

The irresponsible parents who tote their poor children across borders illegally are to blame

-4 ( +12 / -16 )

From the scorching Sonora desert to the at-times fast-moving Rio Grande, the U.S.-Mexico border can be a perilous setting for those who cross it illegally between ports of entry.

Anyone who’s been hiking in the Sonora desert knows it is an unforgiving place and if you don’t have water, you’re lucky if you can survive a full day, two days at best. As bad as it is in many of these countries, the law is the law and if you can’t come in legally, then you should never put yourself or your kids in that kind of dangerous position. The only way to combat this is for Congress to pass a serious comprehensive immigration reform bill that addresses all the loopholes and permanently close all of them, every single one that will cut the flow of illegals to a realistic 95%. I don’t think the Democrats are anywhere near compassionate as they claim to be, one has to just drive through the streets California or or NYC to see this, but we can at least hope.

-6 ( +10 / -16 )

Hold the phone. How the heck is it anyone's fault but their own when someone dies on the way to the United States?

Stop the moronic blame games on both sides. It's simple. Don't want the wall? Then fund the border services.

4 ( +14 / -10 )

@Dango bong

But maybe escaping the place they live is a responsible choice. What do you know of their circumstances to judge them?

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

The irresponsible parents who tote their poor children across borders illegally are to blame

I suppose if this helps you sleep at night... Those driving this policy and the apologists for it long ago dehumanized these people. Just as it was easier to put Indians on reservations or Japanese kids in internment camps or Jews in ovems--it always starts with othering and dehumanization.

I'd honestly like to see what would happen if Trump supporters actually lived on the border and saw these children up close, desperate, hungry, near death. I daresay even they might be surprised how they'd react. It's always easy to act like a monster when you don't see the victims up close.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

@porto @jcapan The people are not suffering because of the US, and the US is not the world's welfare. You should blame the governments of countries like Honduras for having such a terrible place people do not want to stay, and also blame the parents for putting their kids through this while breaking the law.

They are only fleeing poverty (last time I checked there is no political persecution or civil war in Guatemala or Honduras) which is not amnesty, its just running away from poverty and looking for a hand out.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

I notice Dems and libs aren’t telling us about the “manufactured crisis” at the border. Imagine that, Trump was right again. Actually is a problem there which could be fixed if Dems can put politics and running for President aside for one second.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

Exactly. The USA nor any other country can support socially or financially every single human being who is in a difficult situation.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

Ok liberals, how do we solve this? Just let everyone in from all over the world who wants in? Then how do we feed, clothe abc house them?

-2 ( +9 / -11 )

The Republicans are not responsible for deaths of people trying to get to America -- these people made the choice to take the risky journey and (sometimes) drag their children along, too. Life is about risks and sometimes you fail -- the people who advocate compassion are the same people who want to give trophies to all participants in a race -- not everyone are winners -- life doesn't work that way, unless you are a Democrat...

2 ( +10 / -8 )

porto - But maybe escaping the place they live is a responsible choice. What do you know of their circumstances to judge them?

It was the father's decision to bring his family to the Rio Grande. It was the father's responsibility to take care of his family. It's unfortunate that a father, and daughter, drown after they entered the river from the Mexican side. The father is primarily responsible for the death of his daughter, and himself.

Democrats, and Hillary worshippers, have loudly, and repeatedly, been claiming that there is no crisis on the Mexico-U.S.A. border. Democrats, and Hillary worshippers, have chosen to ignore Obama's 2014 direct message to families from Central America NOT to send/take their kids on these migrations to the U.S..

It's dangerous. Don't do it. It's not safe. You may not even make it to the U.S. border. You may be attacked, or raped, in whatever country you have to cross thru.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

separation of children from their families has shown at the center in Texas.

Every country separates detainees from their children when they are caught breaking the law, this si how jails operate also. Why should illegal border hoppers get better treatment than America's own citizens? You want to pay for it?

2 ( +9 / -7 )

bass4funk: Illegal immigrants are THE ticket and survival to the Democrat party

In the 2018 House election, voters 19-29 years old: 67% voted Democrat, 32% voted Republican. I wouldn't describe a plan to import illegals to cast fake votes as the ticket to our future survival. It would actually be a counterproductive use of our resources.

Blacklabel: Ok liberals, how do we solve this?

We can start with this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_Security,_Economic_Opportunity,_and_Immigration_Modernization_Act_of_2013

But overall it's a tough problem to solve. We can't take in hundreds of thousands of people at border crossings, but I'm not willing to end the asylum process. People die in the river because they are escaping something, not because they are looking for a free handout.

My guess is that you would have an immediate impact by hiring more people to process and expanding facilities. And I do believe that making the situation better in their home country would help, but Trump does the opposite by cutting aid. I'm all in favor of more barriers in high trafficked areas, but not in remote places that will end up just being a financial burden.

What is odd about this is how the business owners who hire them usually escape criticism.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Ok liberals, how do we solve this? Just let everyone in from all over the world who wants in? Then how do we feed, clothe abc house them?

We implement the proposals from 2013 and work for opportunity, democracy, and equality in these people's home countries instead of continuously trying to pillage those places and economically subjugating their people.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

this tells me all I need to know...

"Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the Democrat representing the area encompassing the Homestead facility, invited the entire field of 2020 Democratic presidential hopefuls to visit...."

Politics. The people running for President are too busy....running for President. Its an excuse to not do their legislative jobs. Buttedgeedge cant even be bothered to fix the racial tension in his own city. AOC at the border fake crying in front of the cameras with her $600 Gucci watch.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

 the people who advocate compassion are the same people who want to give trophies to all participants in a race -- not everyone are winners -- life doesn't work that way, unless you are a Democrat...

Vern, you gotta get a new talking point because the everyone gets a trophy nonsense is trite.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

The parents who take their kids on this dangerous journey are to blame for their deaths.

3 ( +10 / -7 )

Ok the 2013 bill had:

points based immigration, which liberals are against because it is "racist".

stronger border security and law enforcement. But you dont want the law against illegal entry enforced and you wont build any barriers to actually have stronger border security. You just want to spend money housing, feeding and clothing people who walk across.

Removal of per country green card limits. You dont want that cause its "racist" too. Not enough people from "x" country can come.

So what part of the 2013 bill do you actually want? I know, this part (so that you can have future Dem voters):

The bill would provide illegal immigrants in the U.S. a pathway to citizenship for those who have resided in the U.S. before December 31, 2011

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Dango bong

The United States is not the world's welfare.

I agree. You criticize President Trump and the United States of America, but are you participating in volunteer activities and economic support? Just insisting is the same as hypocrisy, but it also requires action.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

It also repealed the green card lottery and would have funded 40,000 more Border Patrol agents.

Two more things liberals of 2019 dont like. Are you sure you want to implement the 2013 Immigration bill?

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Sad.  Political point scoring over a tragic death and photo.  Just open the borders and let everyone come in who wants.  OR.  Build the wall and strictly enforce immigration laws, removing the incentive fro people to make this dangerous journey.  Quite a conundrum.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"This bill proposes earned legalization for illegal immigrants (they have to wait for 13 years, pay all back taxes, learn English, no legalization for people with criminal records, and citizenship or permanent residence only after the border becomes fully secure).

Other provisions would include the more extensive use of E-Verify by businesses in order to ensure that their workers have the legal right to work in the United States. "

Learn English, pay taxes, no criminals, border actually has to become secure. E-Verify? Arent all these things "racist"?

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Illegal immigration is wrong, and a primary goal of comprehensive immigration reform must be to dramatically curtail future illegal immigration.

Operational control of our borders--through significant additional increases in infrastructure, technology, and border personnel--must be achieved within a year of enactment of legislation.

A biometric-based employer verification systemwith tough enforcement and auditingis necessary to significantly diminish the job magnet that attracts illegal aliens to the United States and to provide certainty and simplicity for employers.

All illegal aliens present in the United States on the date of enactment of our bill must quickly register their presence with the United States Governmentand submit to a rigorous process of converting to legal status and earning a path to citizenshipor face imminent deportation.

Family reunification is a cornerstone value of our immigration system. By dramatically reducing illegal immigration, we can create more room for both family immigration and employment-based immigration.

We must encourage the world's best and brightest individuals to come to the United States and create the new technologies and businesses that will employ countless American workers, but must discourage businesses from using our immigration laws as a means to obtain temporary and less-expensive foreign labor to replace capable American workers; and finally

We must create a system that converts the current flow of unskilled illegal immigrants into the United States into a more manageable and controlled flow of legal immigrants who can be absorbed by our economy.

The first of these seven principles is that illegal immigration is wrongplain and simple. When we use phrases like "undocumented workers," we convey a message to the American people that their Government is not serious about combating illegal immigration, which the American people overwhelmingly oppose.

All done here.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

sorry Dango bong. There was a misleading statement, so again.

I want to ask this person who disagrees. You criticize President Trump and the United States of America, but are you participating in volunteer activities and economic support? Just insisting is the same as hypocrisy, but it also requires action.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Both the press and the current government have done a bang up job making immigrants of any kind hesitate to go through official processes, such as appearing at points of entry. I blame the press for horrifically conflicting stories about what is happening and what the government is doing. Between the two sides of both the press and the government, I can't figure out what is going on, (who can?) and uncertainty makes people make bad choices too. Of course this all goes back to the current administration though, they are the ones who started this rocking of the boat.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I do not understand why they think they have rights to enter U.S. When Democrats become the government, are they allowing them all enter U.S.? There will be long and endless lines of refugees from troubled countries of Middle and South America.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Chip Star - We implement the proposals from 2013 and work for opportunity, democracy, and equality in these people's home countries instead of continuously trying to pillage those places and economically subjugating their people.

If you wish to implement proposals from 2013, you need to contact your U.S. Senators, and U.S. Congressman, and explain to them why they should readdress legislation that had failed to pass six years ago.

The  current border situation requires current U.S. Congress members to come up with a working solution that can actually be passed into law.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

zichi - Someone is making big money from this misery.

That would be the people (drug cartel coyotes) who are being paid to bring illegal aliens into the U.S., as well as the lawyers who are paid to fight immigration, and extradition, laws.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

The Republicans are not responsible for deaths of people trying to get to America -- these people made the choice to take the risky journey and (sometimes) drag their children along, too. Life is about risks and sometimes you fail -- the people who advocate compassion are the same people who want to give trophies to all participants in a race -- not everyone are winners -- life doesn't work that way, unless you are a Democrat...

I agree 110% spot on!

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Schumer said. "You are head of the Executive Branch. You control what's happening at the border."

No, he doesn't. He tried and the courts blocked those attempts.

Just how do people think laws will stop the migrant flow?

New laws will remove the ability for people illegally inside the USA to get work.

New laws will hold not just the workers, but the employers accountable with stiff fines and jail time if there is systematic violations.

New laws will change a misdemeanor illegal crossing into a felony and allow immediate deportation and a 10 yr ban from entering the USA.

New laws will provide a path to citizenship or encourge people illegally inside the USA, breaking multiple laws, for decades to leave.

New laws will set limits for immigrants from any single country, regardless of the reason. If 10K is the limit, and 10K asylum seekers have already arrived, then the normally legal immigrants from that country wouldn't be allowed in that year.

The US has a requirement to control who enters the country and under which circumstances. Period.

So, there are many things that new laws can accomplish.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Can't blame Trump. His wall is not even built. And even if it was the illegals would just use ladders (yes, they go over walls very reliably). Let's blame President Hillary.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

This "story" conveniently omits that these deaths took place on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. The U.S. is not to blame for this incident. The libs anger is once again misdirected. They should be railing against the Mexican government officials for allowing these illegals into their country in the first place.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Not going to happen with these dems. Their anger and bitterness Trumps their dignity and common sense. They are in full blown get Trump mode. Everything else is secondary. How many more have to die because they can't get over losing 2016?

The Democrats never cared for these people, that was never their intention to care for them, as long as they can flood the country and turn them into Democrats voters then that’s more than enough for them by showering them with endless government entitlements. If the GOP did the same and it would work for them by turning them into registered conservative voters, the Democrats would make a wall so big, even Roger Waters would envy it.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

They are in full blown get Trump mode. Everything else is secondary. How many more have to die because they can't get over losing 2016?

I've finally figured out the psychology behind this "Dems can't get over losing 2016" nonsense. It's actually a collective buyers remorse. Trump supporters can't bring themselves to admit they voted for a nincompoop.

The Democrats never cared for these people, that was never their intention to care for them, as long as they can flood the country and turn them into Democrats voters then that’s more than enough for them by showering them with endless government entitlements.

Spot on! Another intelligent comment.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Enforce the laws strictly already on the books.

And do what? Put them in prison? Prison in the US is better than death by gang violence in their home countries. I'd rather be in prison than be violently offed by a gang. Sounds like a good deal for the migrants - and I'd take that deal rather than be killed. I would even be willing to use a ladder to climb over the new and shiny Trump wall in order to be arrested by ICE then be detained and kept alive with American tax dollars. Go America!!!! Go Trump!!! The number of illegal crossings under Trump is higher than Obama. Must be a secret plot from President Hillary. What does Hannity have to say?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The Democrats never cared for these people, that was never their intention to care for them, as long as they can flood the country and turn them into Democrats voters then that’s more than enough for them by showering them with endless government entitlements. 

Illegal immigrants are a means to an ends for Dems - it’s to achieve political power. More impoverished people hooked on welfare is a good thing in the eyes of Democrats.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

I haven't read any of the comments. But I suppose for Trump supporters they are on the level of uneducated white males.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Just how do people think laws will stop the migrant flow?

There is only one way that works and that is to create enough horror stories founded on law that make it to the press so that people fear immigrating to the U.S. as much as any other place. And there are a lot of twisted people supporting that for various twisted reasons.

That said, new laws CAN either direct the flow toward points of entry or toward illicit border crossings. Here too we find twisted people actually preferring the illicit crossings, as that generates more strife, xenophobia, panic and death. Oh, many will say its so sad the father and daughter were found drowned in the Rio Grande while secretly only disappointed they were not part of a militia that shot them as they swam. I have decided there are many more such trolls in the world than people generally believe.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Illegal immigrants are a means to an ends for Dems

WRONG! Reagan granted 3M freebie greencards in the 80s when he was president. Obama or President Hillary never did that.

get all the free entitlements you want.

Yes (with Reagan) see above.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Neither Democrat or Republican party's are responsible.

The Government of the country the Father and Daughter were fleeing from that have to take full responsibility. It is combination of failed political policies combined with poverty that ultimately played a part in this tragedy.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

The irresponsible parents who tote their poor children across borders illegally are to blame

so you think they should just leave their kids behind and go by themselves!? Trying living in poverty for an extended period of time, youll be surprised what people do when they're desperate

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Trump has single-handedly INCREASED illegal immigration. He can blame it on Obama all he wants, it was him and his WH that actually created a humanitarian crisis, literally killing children and others. They won't even report the deaths any more, there are so many.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Trump's whole rsponse to this tragedy, his words and demeanour, are shockingly awful, even for him.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Every country separates detainees from their children when they are caught breaking the law, this si how jails operate also.

More lies. Not true and easy to look up. Also, there is no excuse for the way these children are 'detained'. It's inhuman.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Beyond the current US political climate. read the full story surround the tragic death of Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez, 25, and his 23-month-old daughter Valeria in heartbreaking detailed here....

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7183475/Tragic-story-El-Salvador-father-daughter-drowned-crossing-Rio-Grande.html

It will take a global economic initiative to bring and end to poverty in El Salvador. Until then expect more tragic unnecessary deaths. The levels of extreme poverty in El Salvador cannot be alleviated by an exodus of hundreds of thousands into the United States. The global community will need to tackle these levels of poverty at its source.

The World Bank In El Salvador

https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/elsalvador/overview#1

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I haven't read any of the comments. But I suppose for Trump supporters they are on the level of uneducated white males.

And that would be based on.....

President Obama deported more migrants than Trump. So how does that work with the claim about democrats seeking voter increases.

Rhetorical question? There are more than enough illegal immigrants in the country, sending a few the back but put a dent on the possible new voters that the Democrats can create and still more will come, so unless the problem is addressed and real legislation is passed on comprehensive immigration, the influx will continue.

In Texas there are 1.5 million illegal migrants and 90,000 of them on voters lists but are they republicans?

We don’t know that, but once we can get the census question in and put on the ballot we will find out.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Ok the 2013 bill had:

points based immigration, which liberals are against because it is "racist".

stronger border security and law enforcement. But you dont want the law against illegal entry enforced and you wont build any barriers to actually have stronger border security. You just want to spend money housing, feeding and clothing people who walk across. 

Removal of per country green card limits. You dont want that cause its "racist" too. Not enough people from "x" country can come. 

So what part of the 2013 bill do you actually want? I know, this part (so that you can have future Dem voters):

We wanted it all, but republicans refused to lift a finger. Now, suddenly, they are outraged and blaming democrats for their own failures.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted Trump for saying "'Let's blame the Democrats.'"

"That's a disgrace. Mr. President, you are President of the United States," Schumer said. "You are head of the Executive Branch. You control what's happening at the border."

No, he doesn't, Chuck. If he could, there wouldn't be any illegals crossing into our country.

The Democrats need to be replaced. Vote them out in 2020!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Zichi, I witness the economic issues/difficulties with integration in Frankfurt.

Migrants from areas in the middle east, some devastated by war smuggled over in plastic dingies.

The migrants luckily not to have drowned, medium to long term prospects are next to zero especially for single young men. Families struggle to progress further than beyond their temporary accommodation.

If a UN backed fully resourced plan were implemented, phased in then lives could be saved. but I fear the political will and financing are lacking.

The EU has a plan (Northern Africa) on a country by country to basis to reform and restructure. However only limited revenue so the inflatable dingies continue to make the hazardous journey

Politicians playing the political blame game will only make matter worse.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Republicans love murdered children. From their approval of concentration camps at the US border to their relentless cheerleading of guns for school shooters, they are the party of wanton bloodlust, murder and hate. The Republican Party needs to be outlawed.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

But maybe escaping the place they live is a responsible choice. What do you know of their circumstances to judge them?

The responsible choice is to work enact reforms in thier own countries to build a better life for thier children instead of taking them on a dangerous trip that will end in their indefinite detention.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

No, he doesn't, Chuck. If he could, there wouldn't be any illegals crossing into our country.

Changing your tune from when Obama was president, and you blamed what was happening at the border on him.

You guys love trying to have your cake and eat it too.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

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