A panel of independent experts supported by the United Nations has expressed concern that inflammatory and racist rhetoric by U.S. political leaders, including President Donald Trump, has contributed to serious human rights issues in the United States, particularly related to immigration policies and racial discrimination.







The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, based in Geneva, released a statement warning that recent political language and enforcement actions have created an environment that may encourage discrimination and violations of basic rights. The committee urged the U.S. government to reconsider some of its immigration enforcement practices, especially those carried out near schools, hospitals, and places of worship.

Although the committee’s findings are not legally binding, the review is part of an international monitoring process meant to ensure that countries follow agreements they have signed regarding human rights protections.

Concerns over language used about migrants

The panel said it was troubled by what it described as dehumanizing and hostile language directed at migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. According to the experts, such statements — especially when made by influential political figures — can increase the risk of hate crimes, discrimination, and social division.

In its report, the committee warned that describing migrants as criminals or as a burden on society could fuel racial hostility, particularly when the statements come from high-level officials, including the president.

While the United Nations has criticized the United States in past administrations over issues related to racism, the latest report specifically mentioned Trump’s public statements as part of the current concern, without directly blaming other recent presidents.

Immigration enforcement also questioned

The report also raised concerns about the actions of federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). According to the panel, some enforcement operations appear to involve racial profiling and identity checks that seem arbitrary.

The experts said the U.S. may not be fully meeting its obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, an agreement the country ratified in 1994.

The committee cited several recent incidents in which enforcement operations allegedly involved dangerous tactics. In two cases mentioned in the report, federal agents used deadly force during operations in Minnesota, leading to the deaths of two U.S. citizens who were reportedly protesting at the time. The panel described those incidents as possible serious violations of international human rights standards.

White House rejects the criticism

The White House strongly dismissed the U.N. report, calling it biased and inaccurate.
A spokesperson said the administration’s policies are focused on protecting national security and reducing crime, and argued that the United States is safer as a result of stricter border enforcement.

Officials also questioned the credibility of the U.N. panel and said its conclusions do not reflect the reality inside the country.

Calls for policy changes

In its recommendations, the committee urged the U.S. to review its immigration policies to ensure they follow international human rights rules. The panel suggested suspending enforcement actions near sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and religious institutions, and called for stronger safeguards to prevent misuse of personal data during immigration investigations.

The report also emphasized that migrants and asylum seekers should receive equal treatment and access to essential services, including health care, education, and legal protection, without discrimination.

Previous criticism from the United Nations

This is not the first time the United States has faced criticism from the same committee. Similar concerns were raised in 2014 during protests over police violence, and again in 2020 after nationwide demonstrations against racial injustice.

The latest report comes as immigration enforcement has become a major focus of the current administration, with increased arrests and expanded operations in several U.S. cities, drawing both support from allies and criticism from human rights groups.