NEW YORK — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is doubling down on his description of Mexican immigrants as criminals.
The GOP businessman issued a statement Monday responding to critics in and out of his party. Trump called Mexican immigrants criminals and rapists as he launched his presidential bid last month.
Several businesses, including NBC, Univision and Macy’s department stores, have cut ties with Trump.
In his new statement, Trump says “the Mexican government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States.” In many cases, he says, they are “criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc.”
He says “many fabulous people come in from Mexico and our country is better for it.”
He then calls the United States “a dumping ground for Mexico.”
Trump is among more than a dozen Republicans running for president.
