Former Mexican President Vicente Fox Speaks in Detroit About DACA, Auto Industry

“It’s unfair, I would say it’s criminal, to cut the dreams of 800,000 kids,” said Fox.

Jake Neher/WDET

Former President of Mexico Vicente Fox has no shortage of grievances against President Trump’s policy goals. And those grievances were on full display on Monday night in Detroit as Fox took the stage as the keynote speaker at Wayne State University’s Forum on Contemporary Issues in Society’s (FOCIS) 10th anniversary lecture series “What in the World is Going On?”

Fox told reporters before his speech that he’s concerned Trump’s isolationist tendencies could spell trouble for the American auto industry.

Jake Neher/WDET

He says Trump’s trade ideas could lead to a situation similar to the auto industry crisis of 2008.

“They will go broke again,” said Fox. “They will not be able to survive. They will not be competitive.”

Fox defended the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), saying it has led to more economic opportunity in both Mexico and the United States.

Click here to hear Fox’s full press conference prior to his speech at Wayne State University

He also blasted Trump’s decision to rescind the federal government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, as well as his promise to complete a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

On DACA, Fox said he hopes America will have compassion for undocumented immigrants brought here as children. He said any attempt to strip them of protections would be “criminal.”

“It’s unfair, I would say it’s criminal, to cut the dreams of 800,000 kids,” said Fox.

Trump says his administration will rescind DACA in six months. Trump is calling on Congress to pass a law that will determine the status of DACA recipients going forward.

Jake Neher/WDET

 

Author

  • Jake Neher
    Jake Neher is senior producer for Detroit Today and host of MichMash for 101.9 WDET. He previously reported on the Michigan Legislature for the Michigan Public Radio Network.