Trump accused of 'grave human rights violations' by UN panel calling for investigation

A United Nations committee has accused Donald Trump of violating the human rights of immigrants living in the United States.

A statement from the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination suggested the US should investigate the president and several high-profile politicians, as their language in public could incite hate crimes. The UN Watchdog also noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity could further incite racial hatred across the US. A report released by the intergovernmental organization confirmed further action should be taken by the US government.

It reads, "The Committee was deeply disturbed by the growing use of derogatory and dehumanizing language, and the dissemination of negative and harmful stereotypes targeting migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

"It underscored that the systematic use of racial profiling and arbitrary identity checks by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) against people of Hispanic/Latino, African or Asian origin has resulted in widespread arrests of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and people perceived as such.

"The Committee also raised alarm that the lives and physical integrity of the above vulnerable groups are jeopardized by the excessive use of force and violence by enforcement officers during immigration operations.

"It cited that at least eight people have died since January 2026 during ICE operations or while in ICE custody, including protesters exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and detained refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants."

A spokesperson for the committee also noted the rhetoric from the government, including from Trump, has affected migrants and asylum seekers negatively.

“Portraying them as criminals or as a burden, by politicians and influential public figures at the highest level, particularly the President,” the Committee said, “may incite racial discrimination and hate crimes.

"Racist hate speech by political leaders, including the President, combined with intensified immigration crackdowns in the United States, notably near schools, hospitals and faith-based institutions, has sparked grave human rights violations."

The panel also suggested an internal review from the Trump administration. They wrote, "The Committee urged the US to conduct a human rights-based review of its legislative measures adopted since January 2025, including by suspending immigration enforcement operations, such as identity checks and arrests, in and around schools, hospitals, and faith-based institutions."

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told Axios the UN's findings were filtered by an "extreme bias" that "continues to prove why no one takes them seriously."

"President Trump is delivering on his promise to make our country safe again: the murder rate has plummeted to a 125-year low, with last year marking the biggest one-year drop in recorded history, crime categories are dropping across the board, and we have the most secure border in history."