Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric and Venezuela’s Crime Rates
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that countries, particularly Venezuela, are releasing criminals and sending them to the United States. This assertion has been a cornerstone of his recent speeches, aimed at criticizing the Biden administration's immigration policies. However, experts and data suggest that Trump's claims are unfounded.
Crime Trends in Venezuela: The Real Story
According to data from the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence, the number of violent deaths in Venezuela fell by close to 25% in 2023 compared to previous years. This decrease is part of a trend observed since 2018, long before President Biden took office. Experts highlight that the majority of Venezuelans emigrating are hard-working, professional individuals contributing positively to their new countries. There is no evidence of a state policy aimed at sending criminals abroad.
Misleading Figures and Misinformation
Trump has cited a supposed decrease in crime in Venezuela as evidence of his claims, sometimes stating a drop as high as 72% in one year. However, crime experts in Venezuela attribute the reduction in crime to various factors, including economic decline and mass migration, rather than a government policy of exporting criminals. Additionally, the Venezuelan government has not provided reliable crime reports for years, making it difficult to verify any claims.
The Broader Context and Migration Crisis
More than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela in search of better living conditions, according to the United Nations. While some criminals have emigrated, they represent a minority. The majority of Venezuelan migrants are fleeing poverty and seeking better opportunities. Claims that Venezuela is sending criminals to the U.S. are not supported by evidence, and experts warn against creating xenophobia towards Venezuelans.
- Carlos Nieto, the general coordinator of A Window to Freedom, an organization that advocates for the rights of prisoners in Venezuela, emphasized that there is no state policy to release prisoners and send them to other countries. He noted that while some criminals have left Venezuela, they are a minority among the millions of emigrants.
- Ronna Rísquez, co-founder of Monitor de Víctimas, explained that the reduction in crime in Venezuela is due to a lack of opportunities for criminal activities amidst the country's economic crisis. Crime has become less 'profitable,' leading some gangs to migrate to border areas or other countries.
- U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon recently heard arguments regarding new restrictions on Trump's public statements about law enforcement officials. Special counsel Jack Smith argued that Trump's inflammatory comments about the FBI could incite violence, but the judge has yet to make a ruling.
