New York Representative Adriano Espaillat delivered a poignant Spanish-language rebuttal to President Trump’s recent joint address to Congress, focusing prominently on immigration policies. He criticized Trump’s executive order making English the national language and his efforts to restrict emergency aid, emphasizing the American dream as a beacon for all immigrants. Espaillat accused Trump of instilling fear in immigrant communities and opposed tariffs, tax cuts, and federal workforce reductions, redirecting the discourse consistently back to immigration reform.

Espaillat shared a personal anecdote about assisting a neighbor detained by ICE despite being a U.S. citizen, underscoring the flaws in Trump’s migration policies. He called for a new immigration law that secures borders, protects DREAMers and agricultural workers, and prioritizes family unity. By contrast, Trump’s address highlighted his immigration-related agenda, including declaring a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, deploying military forces, and emphasizing high arrest rates.

Trump’s call for funding to carry out a large-scale deportation operation drew historical parallels to President Eisenhower’s controversial “Operation Wetback.” The joint address also featured key guests emphasizing immigration and border security issues, such as former border patrol agent Roberto Ortiz and the families of victims affected by illegal immigration. Overall, Espaillat’s rebuttal and Trump’s address underscore the deep divide in perspectives on immigration policies and enforcement in the United States.