Donald Trump claims eight Syrian refugees could be ‘Isis’ and calls for ‘big beautiful wall’ to be built

The controversial Republican also ruffled feathers by calling a protester 'seriously overweight' at a rally

Donald Trump

Donald Trump continues to stoke tension over the refugee crisis by claiming eight Syrian refugees allegedly caught trying to enter the US could be Isis members.

Trump has repeatedly suggested Syrian refugees fleeing persecution could be a fifth column sent by Isis and used this suggestion to reinforce his demands for a “big beautiful wall” around borders in the US on Wednesday.

He has also repeatedly vowed to build a wall along southern borders to stop illegal immigrants from entering the country.

His words come at a time of mounting anxiety over the refugee crisis in the wake of the Paris attacks. A number of US governors have responded to the tragedy by calling for Syrian refugees to blocked from entering states including Texas, Alabama and South Carolina. Meanwhile, France has renewed its pledge to welcome 30,000 refugees within the next two years.

Trump, who must have been in an extra-provocative mood this week, also changed tack with the insults he normally saves for his opponents by calling a protester “seriously overweight”.

Trump commented on the size of a man being led away by police after apparently reacting angrily at Trump’s claim about food stamps - namely, that they should be reduced despite the limited welfare available to US citizens.

Footage captured by ABC “You know it’s crazy, I mention food stamps and that guys who is seriously overweight went crazy. He went crazy.”

It is not known why the man was pulled out of the rally in Worcester, Massachusetts although ABC’s report mentions a man being removed by security for repeatedly shouting “Trump’s a racist”.

His camp has not responded to a request for comment.