Trump Addresses Congress, Honors Victims of Illegal Immigration, and Declares Border Security a Top Priority
Former President Donald Trump, in a hypothetical address to a joint session of Congress, focused heavily on the issue of illegal immigration, highlighting the tragic deaths of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, who he asserted were victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants under the current administration. Trump used the occasion to reiterate his commitment to securing the border, designating certain gangs and cartels as terrorist organizations, and enacting stricter enforcement measures.
The speech opened with a somber tone as Trump honored the memory of Laken Riley, a nursing student in Georgia, and Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Texas. He characterized their deaths as brutal and senseless, directly attributing them to what he described as the Biden administration’s lax border policies.
"President Donald Trump honored the lives of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray, who were both brutally killed by illegal immigrants under the Biden administration," the address began.
Trump specifically mentioned Jose Antonio Ibarra, the Venezuelan national accused of Riley’s murder, emphasizing his illegal entry into the U.S. and subsequent arrest and release in New York City prior to the tragic incident. He also addressed the case of Jocelyn Nungaray, alleging that two undocumented immigrants were responsible for her sexual assault and murder.
"Laken was viciously attacked, assaulted, beaten, brutalized, and horrifically murdered. Laken was stolen from us by a savage illegal alien," Trump declared. He continued, "Her precious Jocelyn walked to a nearby convenience store. She was kidnaped, tied up, assaulted for two hours under a bridge and horrifically murdered. Arrested and charged with this heinous crime are two illegal alien monsters from Venezuela, released into America by the last administration through their ridiculous open border."
To honor Riley’s memory, Trump announced the symbolic signing of the "Laken Riley Act" into law. This legislation, he explained, directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prioritize the detention and removal of undocumented immigrants accused of theft or assault against law enforcement officers.
"Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law upon taking office for a second time in January, saying that the U.S. will never forget Riley through the law that directs Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants arrested or charged with theft-related crimes, or those accused of assaulting a police officer."
Trump then pivoted to a broader critique of the current administration’s border security measures, claiming that the policies have led to a surge in illegal immigration and allowed dangerous criminals to enter the country. He specifically targeted the Tren De Aragua, a Venezuelan prison gang, along with MS-13 and Mexican drug cartels, announcing their official designation as foreign terrorist organizations.
"All three savages charged with Jocelyn and Lakens murders were members of the Venezuelan prison gang, the toughest gang, they say, in the world known as Tren De Aragua. Two weeks ago, I officially designated this gang, along with MS-13 and the bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations," Trump asserted. "They are now officially in the same category as ISIS, and thats not good for them."
He vowed to prioritize the apprehension and deportation of undocumented immigrants deemed to be a threat to public safety, promising a crackdown on those who have entered the country illegally. "Countless thousands of these terrorists were welcomed into the U.S by the Biden administration. But now, every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country. Or, if theyre too dangerous, put in jail, standing trial in this country, because we dont want them to come back ever," he stated.
Trump also contrasted his approach to border security with that of his successor, highlighting what he characterized as the successes of his own administration in reducing illegal border crossings. He claimed that his policies were effective and that new legislation was unnecessary, emphasizing the need for strong leadership and decisive action.
"Since taking office, my administration has launched the most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history. And we quickly achieved the lowest numbers of illegal border crossing ever recorded. … The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation. We must have legislation to secure the border. But it turned out that all we really needed was a new president," he declared.
Furthermore, Trump addressed the larger issue of sanctuary cities, blaming them for harboring criminals and hindering efforts to enforce immigration laws. He highlighted the fact that Ibarra was arrested and released in a Democrat-run sanctuary city before Riley’s murder, emphasizing the danger he believes these policies pose to public safety.
"He had then been arrested and released in a Democrat run sanctuary city, a disaster, before ending the life of this beautiful young angel," he asserted.
In a gesture of compassion and remembrance, Trump acknowledged the presence of Laken Riley’s mother, Alison, and her sister, Lauren, in the audience. He also revealed that he had renamed a wildlife refuge in Texas in honor of Jocelyn Nungaray, recognizing her love for nature.
"With us this evening are Lakens beloved mother, Alison, and her sister Lauren," Trump said. Addressing Jocelyn’s mother, Alexis Nungaray, he stated, "Alexis, I promised that we would always remember your daughter, your magnificent daughter. And earlier tonight I signed an order keeping my word to you… Alexis, moments ago, I formally renamed that refuge in loving memory of your beautiful daughter, Jocelyn."
Trump concluded his address with a renewed pledge to secure the border, enforce immigration laws, and protect American citizens from the dangers posed by illegal immigration. He presented his vision as one of strength, security, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the nation. He reiterated his belief that securing the border is not only a matter of national security but also a moral imperative.
