Fact-checking JD Vance’s campaign speech at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix

PHOENIX (AZFamilie) — Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance made another campaign speech in the Valley at the Sun, this time at the Arizona Biltmore resort in east Phoenix.

Arizona family investigates found most of the claims lacked context, but one claim about drugs entering the country through the southern border was largely true.

On Wednesday, he appeared at an event at a church in Mesa hosted by Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA.

Arizona’s Family fact-checks its claims as part of our commitment to holding political candidates and elected officials accountable, regardless of party affiliation.

Claim: US Just Had Largest Fentanyl Bust in History

Fact Check: Mostly True ✅

In August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized 4 million fentanyl pills at the Lukeville Port of Entry in Arizona. Federal authorities called it the largest single fentanyl seizure in the agency’s history.

However, it is important to realize that most of the people prosecuted and convicted of these crimes are U.S. citizens, not immigrants.

Investigative reporting from NPR affiliate KPBS has found that “approximately 80 percent of the people prosecuted and convicted of federal drug trafficking offenses were U.S. citizens,” according to data from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of California and corroborated by data from the United States Sentencing Commission.

Arizona’s Family has reported on several raids that have taken place in the Phoenix area and southern Arizona over the past few years.

Statement: The majority of young Americans cannot afford to buy a home because of Kamala Harris’ policies

Fact Check: Misleading ⚠️

Affordable housing is a hot topic for many Americans, especially the younger generation, who have seen housing costs rise rapidly over the past decade.

It’s unclear what data set Vance is referring to specifically, but a Citibank survey last month found that 67% of Americans believe buying a home is out of reach for young people.

According to data from the National Association of Home Builders, approximately 66.6 million households cannot afford a $250,000 home. That’s nearly half of all households in the country.

Data from Zillow Group shows that an average household needs about $106,500 to afford an average home, while the median household income in the US is $81,000.

Claim: Kamala Harris supports Medicare and free healthcare for migrants

Fact Check: Misleading ⚠️

Kamala Harris, who once co-sponsored Sen. Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All legislation, is not campaigning on progressive policies during her 2024 White House campaign.

What’s more, the vast majority of immigrants can’t immediately enroll in a variety of social services once they enter the U.S. However, more states are offering health care services to undocumented immigrants, which are funded by government agencies, according to NPR reporting, which analyzed data from the Kaiser Family Foundation.

In Arizona, the state’s Medicaid agency, AHCCCS, says that “undocumented immigrants are not eligible for full AHCCCS coverage, but they may be eligible for AHCCCS coverage for emergency services.”

In most states, if you are a “qualifying noncitizen,” you are eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), if you meet state income and residency rules.

However, many people must wait five years after receiving qualifying status before they can apply and receive health insurance.

Claim: Drugs are being smuggled like candy and Kamala Harris is ‘inviting’ people to the US to sell drugs

Fact Check: Misleading ⚠️

Most cases of fentanyl seized in this country are presented as blue “M 30” tablets that are tightly wrapped and concealed in various ways. While there is a tactic to disguise drugs as candy, it is also misleading to say that people are being invited into the country to sell drugs.

Investigative reporting from NPR affiliate KPBS has found that “approximately 80 percent of the people prosecuted and convicted of federal drug trafficking offenses were U.S. citizens,” according to data from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of California and corroborated by data from the United States Sentencing Commission.

Arizona’s Family has reported on several raids that have been carried out in metro Phoenix and southern Arizona over the past few years.

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