The graphic, titled "Illegal Immigration into The U.S.," saved his life, Trump told his former White House doctor, U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, the next day, according to The New York Times.

Immigration has long been a flash point of Trump's rhetoric. He polls higher on the issue than his overall approval rating.

Editor's note: This story includes disturbing photos and graphic details. A harrowing photo of a migrant father and his 23-month-old daughter who drowned in the Rio Grande river in Mexico has ...

Later in his speech, Trump brought the chart itself on the screen behind him as he talked about immigration. "Last time I put up that chart, I never really got to look at it," Trump said of the ...