Trump and Cruz

WASHINGTON — Harsh rhetoric about Muslims by Republican candidates in the presidential election campaign is undermining national security efforts, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said on Tuesday.

Asked about comments by Republicans Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, Johnson told MSNBC in an interview that singling out a specific community hampers government efforts to build the connections needed to thwart possible attacks.

“Inflammatory comments about patrolling and securing Muslim neighbors or barring Muslims from entering this country, having an immigration policy based on religion, is counterproductive to our homeland security and national security interests,” he said.

Johnson’s remarks come in the wake of attacks last week in Belgium claimed by ISIS militants that have stoked security fears across Europe and the West.

U.S. officials have said there is no immediate known threat to the United States and have vowed to work with European authorities following those attacks, which targeted the Brussels airport and a subway station and killed at least 35 people.

Heightened concern over security has rippled through the nomination race for the Nov. 8 presidential election.

Cruz, a senator from Texas, called for police to patrol American Muslim neighborhoods following the Brussels bombings. Billionaire businessman Trump has continued his call for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States.

The rhetoric has polarized the electorate and prompted criticism, particularly from Democrats, including President Obama.