- Context: During a press conference in Guatemala in 2021, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the issue of immigration, specifically regarding migrants traveling to the U.S. border.
- What She Said: “Do not come. Do not come.”
- The Gaffe: Harris’ message, intended to deter irregular migration to the U.S., sparked backlash from progressives and immigration advocates who saw it as a harsh and unwelcoming message, particularly from an administration that had promised a more compassionate approach to immigration. The blunt phrasing was widely criticized, especially given the complex factors driving migration.
- Public Reaction: Critics on the right and left both attacked Harris for the comment. Progressives accused her of sounding too much like the Trump administration, while conservatives argued that her message was too little, too late.