Trump Visits Houston and Vows to End Illegal Immigration

HOUSTON, TX — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, in Houston Saturday to speak at The Remembrance Project luncheon at the Omni Hotel and meet with families who have been victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens, promised to end illegal immigration if elected, while protesters criticized the timing of his remarks as Hispanic Heritage Month begins.

Trump's talk is part of a three-day event held by The Remembrance Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to draw awareness to people killed by illegal immigrants.

In his remarks to supporters, Trump promised to end illegal immigration and to enforce laws in order to save future victims from crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

"The politicians ignore your cries for help, but I never will," Trump told a crowd gathered for a fundraiser for victims at the Omni Hotel in west Houston. "Not one more American life should be given up in the name of open borders."

Trump brought national attention to the issue of Americans who have been killed by undocumented immigrants.

Early in his campaign, Trump indicated he’d build a wall on the southern U.S. border, if he were elected, and that he’d force Mexico to pay for that wall.

Last month, Trump traveled to Mexico to discuss border issues with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

"We did discuss the wall," Trump said at the news conference after his visit. "We didn't discuss payment of the wall. That'll be for a later date."

Meanwhile, after his speech Saturday, Trump met privately with families who’ve been victims of crimes committed by illegal aliens.

“Donald Trump has met with and listened to our families' stories of loss and grief, and has pledged to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws in order to stop the preventable killings of Americans and permanently separating them from their loved ones,” said Maria Espinoza, co-founder and national director of The Remembrance Project. “We are grateful for Mr. Trump's support and excited that he is honoring our work and the memories of stolen lives by speaking at this first ever National Conference. Someone is finally listening to American and legal immigrant families.”

Outside the hotel, about a dozen people gathered to protest Trump's appearance. Victor Ibarra, 47, arrived with a bullhorn and Trump pinata.

"We're here to tell Donald Trump that we don't want him in Houston," said Ibarra, who was draped in a Mexican flag.

Protesters outside the hotel included members of Latinos Inmigrantes Triunfradores, Freedom Road Socialist Organization and the Houston Communist Party.

Democratic Harris County Sheriff candidate Ed Gonzalez also denounced the visit.
"It is insulting to Hispanic Americans and all Americans for Donald Trump to come to Houston today – the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month – to raise money to build his ridiculous wall," Gonzalez said during the rally. "Houston is the most diverse major city in America. Like anyone, Mr. Trump is welcome here. But his hateful rhetoric and discriminatory policies are not."

Stratford High School student Marcel McClinton showed up to support Trump even though he's still too young to vote and did not learn about the event in time to secure a ticket.

"When I get out of high school what I really want is job security, keeping the country safe and a good economy, and Hillary Clinton isn't offering any of those things," the 15-year-old said. "Security in every aspect of the country."

Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr