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UN report condemns US political rhetoric on migrants
A United Nations panel has accused top US officials, including President Donald Trump, of fueling racial discrimination through inflammatory language targeting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), a Geneva-based body of independent experts, released its findings on Wednesday, urging Washington to align its policies with international human rights standards.
White House rejects findings as biased
The Trump administration dismissed the report, with White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales calling it "useless" and "biased." Wales defended the president's immigration policies, stating that Americans now live in a "safer, stronger country than ever before." She argued that the UN's so-called experts lacked credibility.
Trump's immigration agenda under scrutiny
The UN committee expressed grave concerns over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement tactics, particularly arbitrary identity checks targeting refugees and migrants. The report highlighted Operation Metro Surge, a federal crackdown in Minnesota earlier this year that led to nationwide protests after two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal agents.
The panel described the shootings as "gross violations of international human rights law." While the Trump administration has since scaled back enforcement in Minnesota, the UN called for a halt to immigration operations near schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
Dehumanizing language fuels hate crimes, UN warns
The report condemned the use of "derogatory and dehumanizing language" by politicians, including Trump, who have framed migrants and asylum seekers as criminals or burdens. The committee warned that such rhetoric risks inciting racial discrimination and hate crimes.
"The portrayal of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as threats by high-ranking officials may encourage racial discrimination and violence," the report stated.
Historical context and Trump's deportation push
CERD has previously criticized racial discrimination in the US under multiple administrations, including those of former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. However, the latest report focuses on Trump's aggressive deportation policies, which he touted as a key campaign promise during his 2024 re-election bid.
Trump has deployed thousands of federal agents to conduct large-scale raids in cities like Minneapolis, drawing both support and backlash. In December, his remarks about Somali immigrants-telling them to "go back to where they came from"-sparked widespread outrage.
