National Association of Hispanic Journalists Responds to Trump's Ejection of Jorge Ramos
Univision journalist Jorge Ramos confronted Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a press conference on Tuesday evening, which resulted in the anchorman's removal from the event. The scene, broadcast live, fueled outrage among Latinos and Latinos in media.
Ahead of Trump's campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, Trump took questions from journalists, but before taking the first question from a reporter, Ramos stood up and addressed Trump about the businessman's rhetoric toward Latinos and immigrants. Despite Trump recognizing Ramos but telling him to sit down until he's called on, Ramos stood firm to ask questions.
"You haven't been called," said Trump as Ramos defended his right as a journalist to ask a question. "Go back to Univision."
Security escorted Ramos out of the press conference room.
"Don't touch me, sir. Don't touch me. I have the right to ask a question," Ramos said to a security guard.
Ramos was later allowed to re-enter. Ramos was given time to ask his questions. Ramos questions Trump about immigration, his use of the term "anchor babies" and mass deportation plan.
"Do you know how many Latinos work for me? Do you know how many Hispanics are working for me? They love me," Trump said.
Although Ramos returned, the confrontation sparked debate.
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) condemned Trump's ejection of the Univision anchor.
"Mr. Ramos was doing what journalists have done for decades -- asking questions!," said NAHJ President Mekahlo Medina in a statement. "Ramos was simply trying to hold a candidate for president accountable for statements he made about a very important topic to the American people. Mr. Trump has avoided Mr. Ramos' attempts for an interview to reasonably discuss Mr. Trump's opinions and ideas about immigration and American children born to undocumented immigrants."
The NAHJ also acknowledged Trump's attack on Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly, stating the Republican presidential candidate's remarks were "unacceptable and disturbing." The NAHJ has called for Trump to visit its national conference on Sept. 18, and answer questions by Ramos and other Latino journalists.
On Twitter, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., a staunch advocate for immigration reform, wrote:
Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., commended Ramos. Sanchez has been vocal about the anti-immigrant rhetoric. Most recently, she criticized Republican presidential candidates, namely Trump and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, for using the term "anchor baby" to describe U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants.
On Wednesday morning, Ramos went on Twitter to further comment on the incident. He first acknowledged that no human being is "illegal," a statement he shared in both English and Spanish:
During an interview on Wednesday's "Today" show, Trump claimed Ramos was "ranting and raving" and was "totally out of line."
"I would have gotten to him very quickly," Trump said. "This man gets up and starts ranting and raving and screaming, and honestly being very disrespectful to all the other reporters."
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