Trump plans to deport 11 million migrants

Two Republicans vying for the next US presidency slammed Republican frontrunner Donald Trump during a GOP debate Tuesday over his proposal to deport around 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US.

Both former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Ohio Governor John Kasich lashed out at Trump, describing the deportation plan as impractical.

"Twelve million illegal immigrants: to send them back - 500,000 a month - is just not possible. And it's not embracing American values. It would tear communities apart, and it would send signals that America is not the kind of country I know it is," Bush said.

Bush said that Trump's statements also bolster Democratic presidential candidate and former US State Secretary Hillary Clinton.

"That's the problem with this. We need to win the presidency, and the way you win the presidency is to have practical plans," Bush said at the Republican debate in Milwaukee, adding that Clinton's aides were "doing high-fives" over Trump's remarks.

Clinton's press secretary Brian Fallon tweeted "we actually are doing high-fives right now."

Trump was criticized earlier this year for describing Hispanic immigrants as criminals and "rapists."

"They're not sending you. They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people," Trump said.

The billionaire also said he would deport Syrian refugees for fear they may be part of the "Islamic State" militant group.

US immigration policy continues to be a hot subject for Republican presidential contenders as they fight to set themselves apart from their competition.

ls/jm (Reuters, AFP)