Former President Donald Trump is set to visit the U.S. southern border in Cochise County, Arizona, on Thursday, a move aimed at drawing attention to the ongoing border crisis and criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s management of the situation.

Trump’s surprise visit comes as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and violent crimes associated with the border continue to escalate, and the former president will undoubtedly point a finger at Harris for the mess that persists, as Fox News reports.

The Trump campaign announced the visit on Sunday, accusing Harris, whom officials labeled as the "border Czar," of failing to effectively address the crisis.

The border situation has been a central issue for Trump, both during his presidency and in his post-presidential activities. The visit to Cochise County is seen as a direct response to what his campaign describes as a crisis involving hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants crossing into the United States, contributing to a surge in crime and drug-related deaths.

Drug Trafficking and Violent Crimes Increase

Trump’s campaign has emphasized the rise in crime and chaos linked to illegal immigrants, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing border crisis. According to the campaign, nearly 10 million immigrants have crossed the U.S. border in the last three and a half years. Among them, at least 99 individuals on the terrorist watch list have been released into the country, raising national security concerns.

A significant portion of the crisis is driven by drug trafficking, with deadly substances like fentanyl being smuggled across the border by cartels. The influx of these drugs has had a catastrophic effect on American communities, particularly in Arizona. In Maricopa County alone, more than three people die each day from fentanyl overdoses, illustrating the severity of the crisis.

The campaign’s announcement also pointed to several recent violent crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants. These incidents include the murders of Jocelyn Nungaray, Laken Riley, and Rachel Morin, all of whom were reportedly killed by individuals who had crossed the border illegally.

Victims of Border-Related Crimes Highlighted

Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl, was murdered in June, allegedly by Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, both illegal Venezuelan immigrants. The case has drawn significant attention as an example of the dangers posed by the ongoing border crisis.

Another tragic case involves 22-year-old Laken Riley, who was reportedly murdered by Jose Ibarra, also an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Ibarra had crossed the border in 2022 and was released on border parole before being charged with multiple crimes, including malice murder and false imprisonment, in connection with Riley’s death.

Rachel Morin’s death has also been tied to the border crisis. Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was allegedly responsible for her murder.

He had been caught three times by Border Patrol earlier in 2023 and was deported under Title 42, only to return and commit the crime.

Trump's Criticism of Kamala Harris's Role

Throughout his announcement, Trump’s campaign repeatedly criticized Harris, accusing her of being "missing-in-action" as the nation’s border crisis continues to worsen.

Harris, who was appointed by President Joe Biden to oversee efforts to address the root causes of migration, has faced scrutiny from various quarters for what many see as a lack of tangible results.

"President Donald J. Trump knows that the people of Arizona and the rest of the country cannot take another four years of a missing-in-action border Czar who refuses to act to secure our border and protect our country," the announcement read.

Trump's visit is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, when he is expected to further discuss the impact of illegal immigration and the need for stronger border security measures. The visit comes at a time when border security remains a contentious issue in American politics, with ongoing debates about how best to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Conclusion: Trump to Address Border Security Issues in Arizona Visit

Former President Trump’s upcoming visit to Cochise County, Arizona, underscores his continued focus on the U.S. southern border crisis, particularly the issues of illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and related violent crimes.

The visit is framed by his campaign as a direct critique of Harris’s handling of the situation, with Trump aiming to highlight the urgent need for stronger border security measures.

As the nation grapples with the consequences of the border crisis, including the influx of fentanyl and the rise in crime, Trump’s visit will likely reignite debates about how to effectively address these pressing issues.