Trump Supporters Rally in NYC, Citing Migrant Crisis as Major Concern

Former President Trump returned to his home state of New York for a rally on Long Island, just days after a second assassination attempt on his life. The rally drew a large crowd of supporters, many of whom voiced concerns about illegal immigration and crime in the state.

"The main issue for me is illegal immigration. I believe in immigration, but just not illegally," Mary Beth O'Hare, a Trump supporter, told Fox News Digital. "And I think our city in particular is being overrun with illegals, and we are eventually going to pay the price for that if we're not already, and we see it in our own communities. "

Many supporters echoed O'Hare's sentiment, arguing that the influx of migrants is straining New York's resources and contributing to rising crime rates. Others expressed concern about the high cost of living in the state and the lack of affordable housing for young people.

"First and foremost is the open border. I've seen Manhattan especially overcome by the illegal immigrants that have been traveling through the night on large jets and landing in our cities. I really see it in New York. And it's not good," Amy Hesse, another Trump supporter, told Fox News Digital. **"Trump is a New Yorker. That is his home. And he will turn that city around and turn the state of New York around. Go Trump 2024."

Tom, a Trump supporter, said he believes the rally is an opportunity for Trump to generate support for GOP congressmen in moderate districts like those on Long Island and in the Hudson River Valley. He also emphasized his support for legal immigration.

"I am the son of immigrants. I am proud to be the son of immigrants. And I believe that if you come into this country lawfully and want to be a part of the American dream, you are welcome," Tom said. "But that is not what is transpiring right now. And our cities, much less to be said in New York about this. We have had so many illegal immigrants come into this country that the infrastructure is bending. We don't have the money to school these people properly. We don't have the money to house these people properly. Right now, 25% of all the hotel rooms occupied in the city of New York are occupied by migrants. "

Trump's supporters also expressed concerns about the rise in crime, citing incidents of car and home break-ins. They argued that these issues were less prevalent during Trump's presidency and that the current administration's policies have contributed to the decline in public safety.

"If you look at everyone around you, the crime has gone up. Our cars are being broken into," said a man wearing a "Jews For Trump" shirt outside the rally. **"The homes are being broken into. People are afraid to buy houses right now just because they're afraid it's going to be broken into. It's not the way it was under Trump. The crime was less. The economy was better. Everything was better. There was no complaints. All the complaints we have is the crime is through the roof. The economy. We're paying through the roof for everything right now. Vote Trump."

Nick Passino, a member of the MAGA Boyz group, told Fox News Digital that he and his friend were in the front row of Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, when the July 13 assassination attempt unfolded. He said the group stood behind Trump at his subsequent rally in Michigan to show support.

Passino believes Trump's continued rally schedule, even after another assassination attempt over the weekend, is a statement about his commitment to the American people. "Even though they tried to take him out like — what, a couple of days ago? — now he's doing a rally here in New York. He's just, you know, it's business as usual," Passino said. **"He's not scared. He's going to continue doing it. And, you know, MAGA. MAGA will live on no matter what."

Passino also expressed his disapproval of Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming she lacks policy and relies too heavily on her personal story. "Nobody cares how you grew up, Kamala. What are you going to do now?" he said. **"I mean, we've already seen what you're doing now because you're in office, which is, you know, trash the economy, open borders. Like, it's not going to change. It's only going to get worse."

Another Trump supporter, Matt, emphasized the importance of immigration as a voting issue, citing the death of someone he knew from an accidental fentanyl overdose. He reiterated his support for the "America First" agenda and criticized the current administration's immigration policies.

"Not even as a New Yorker, but an American as a whole," Matt said, specifying that he's against illegal immigration. **"They're illegal for a reason. I mean, they're able to take jobs, but are they paying the taxes that everyone else is paying? And there's even some reports that they've been able to vote in some places. So, it's just America first."

Esther Rivera, who held a "Latinos For Trump" sign, clarified her position on immigration. **"Migrants is not a problem. Illegal immigrants is the problem.

"Having a wall doesn't mean don't come in. It means knock the door first. Enter legally,"** she said.

Trump Supporters Rally in NYC, Citing Migrant Crisis as Major Concern