They have a reasonable historic reason to be extra sensitive with xenophobia.

I'm not saying its the correct ideological position, but it sure is understandable.

If you consider the structural and institutional racism in the US, and how many innocent people die because of it, one could wonder what the lesser evil is.

IF it would work. But it doesn't. It actually increases polarisation and radicalization. The more you treat the population like idiots the more they will become that.

The best strategy is always for the state to lead in humanism, by example. By showing mercy, patience, tolerance and respect.