Trump’s ‘racist hate speech’ and migration crackdowns violate human rights, UN panel says

A UN panel, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), issued a non-binding decision criticizing the United States for human rights violations related to racism and migration. The panel cited "racist hate speech" by political leaders, including Donald Trump, for potentially inciting racial discrimination and hate crimes. CERD also expressed concern over increased migrant detention, deportations (675,000 since January 2025), and the stripping of legal status from immigrants. The panel highlighted reports of racial profiling by ICE and border patrol, as well as "discriminatory, dangerous and violent methods" linked to migrant deaths since January 2026. The UN watchdog urged the US to uphold its obligations under the international convention on combating racism and discrimination.

A UN-backed panel, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, stated that racist hate speech by former US President Donald Trump and other American political leaders has fueled human rights violations in the United States. The Geneva-based committee issued its decision on Wednesday, citing concerns about derogatory language used against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The committee urged the US to suspend immigration enforcement operations near sensitive locations like schools and hospitals. While the decision is not legally binding, it aims to hold the US accountable to its international commitments. The panel expressed concern that politicians and public figures are using stereotypes to incite hate crimes and discrimination by portraying migrants as criminals or burdens.