Washington, Jan 7 (NationPress) President Donald Trump attributed the significant drop in violent crime in Washington to rigorous immigration enforcement, asserting that the U.S. capital has experienced months without a murder following the deportation or incarceration of thousands of offenders.During a speech at the House GOP member retreat, Trump noted that improvements in public safety were due to the focus on habitual offenders and gang members. “Washington DC is now the safest city in the country,” he proclaimed.

Trump indicated that the city has undergone a remarkable transformation. “We haven't had one in seven months,” he stated, referencing the absence of murders.

He mentioned that federal authorities had expelled over 2,000 individuals. “We took out over 2,000 people,” Trump said, explaining that some were deported while others were incarcerated.

Trump specifically highlighted the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, labeling it “the worst gang in the world.” He referred to gang members as “animals” and criticized Democratic leaders for their inaction.

He shared a troubling story about a landlord in Colorado, claiming gang members had seized control of an apartment complex. “They cut off his fingers,” Trump recounted.

Trump asserted that federal agencies stepped in where local authorities failed to act. “ICE has to go in and take them out because the governor doesn't want to do anything,” he said.

He defended the noticeable presence of military personnel in Washington, arguing that “people feel safer when security forces are deployed.”

Trump claimed that the enhanced security has revitalized local businesses. “Restaurants are booming,” he added, noting that businesses previously struggled due to crime-related fears.

He contrasted the current situation with previous times, stating, “We would have on average two murders a week in Washington.”

Trump acknowledged a recent terrorist incident that caused injuries to two individuals but maintained that overall security has improved. “It could have been anywhere,” he remarked.

Immigration enforcement has been a pivotal topic during Trump's presidency, with the administration linking border control and internal enforcement to reductions in crime.

Critics have raised concerns about the validity of crime statistics and cautioned against equating immigration with criminal behavior. Trump dismissed this perspective, arguing that a small fraction of offenders are responsible for the majority of violent crime.

“Two percent, three percent of the population causes 90 percent of the crime,” he stated.

As Republicans gear up for the midterms, immigration and public safety continue to be crucial issues, especially in urban areas with substantial immigrant populations and increasing public anxiety over crime.