The recent repetition of controversial immigration comments by former President Donald Trump has drawn renewed attention. We examine the veracity of his claims by probing the accuracy of his remarks in this fact-check examination.

Immigrants from Mental Institutions: The Unsubstantiated Story

Trump implied that people were being brought to the United States when he told a story about a mental institution in South America during a recent rally in Nevada. 

Despite his repeated claims that immigrants are leaving jails and mental hospitals, there is no solid proof to back up this particular allegation. 

The Trump campaign did not provide verifiable sources, and experts contest any current attempts by other nations to transfer criminals or mental health sufferers to the United States.

Exaggerated Numbers: Questioning the 15 Million Figure

Trump said during a rally in New Hampshire in October that 15 million individuals, including inmates and patients of mental health facilities, had been admitted into the nation. But there is no proof for this assertion. 

The 15 million figure does not match estimates of migrants with criminal records or data on border encounters. Moreover, Trump's estimate exceeds the anticipated total number of undocumented immigrants in the United States, casting doubt on the integrity of his forecasts.

Spending on Immigrants: Clarifying the $1 Billion Statement

Trump said in November that President Biden had spent more than $1 billion to put illegal immigrants in opulent hotels. Although the Biden administration used hotels to house migrants, no concrete evidence substantiates the $1 billion estimate.  

It may allude to a more comprehensive government programme that funds regional initiatives to provide care for migrants, including lodging costs.

The intricate nature of government financial allocation necessitates that such allegations be carefully examined and specific expenditures be differentiated.

Terrorism and the Southern Border: Unsubstantiated Links

At an Iowa event, Trump asserted that there is a worrying influx of people into the United States who are connected to Hamas, the terrorist organisation that attacks Israel. Nevertheless, this assertion is unsupported by any data. 

Although there has been a spike in encounters with people on terrorism watchlists, it is incorrect to attribute this increase to particular organisations such as Hamas. Experts stress the importance of differentiating between increasing contact and real dangers from terrorism.

FAQS

Are immigrants coming from South America as claimed in the Nevada rally story?

Trump's particular story is unsupported by evidence. The idea that immigrants from South America, or any other location, are being transferred to the United States from mental institutions or other facilities has no basis.

What programmes were in place for hotel accommodations for migrants during the Trump administration?

A nonprofit organisation was hired by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2021 to accommodate border arrivals in hotels in Texas and Arizona. This strategy carried on a policy that was started in 2020 by the Trump administration and involved housing immigrant families and children in hotels before their deportation.