Just days before the presidential election and Donald Trump has made yet another move which has prompted accusations of racism and xenophobia. Through a White House press release, Trump issued a proclamation recognizing today, November 1st, as National Day of Remembrance for Americans Killed by Illegal Aliens. Today also happens to be a very important holiday for Mexico and other Central American countries, Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead.
For those not familiar, Dia de los Muertos is an annual holiday commemorating dead family members and loved ones. Many people called out Trump for being tone-deaf for choosing a spiritual holiday to wage a war against immigration.
“On this National Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the memory of every American life so egregiously taken from us by criminal illegal aliens,” Trump stated in his proclamation. “As sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and as American citizens, these precious lives are an irreplaceable piece of our national community.”
Trump added that he had no higher duty than to “ensure the safety and security of all Americans” by securing the border and praised Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for their work.
People criticizing Trump felt this proclamation set for the Day of the Dead would invoke hate speech against Central Americans on a sacred day for them.
In addition to accusations of xenophobia, people also accused Trump of using the victims of these crimes to promote his border wall.
“When’s the National Day of Remembrance for Americans Killed by the Trump Administration’s Failed Pandemic Response?” one Twitter user asked.
Another pointed out that there are for more Americans killed by Americans than illegal aliens that don’t receive a day of remembrance.
As we’re about a day away from the election, who knows what Trump will do next but we’ll keep you posted.
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