Donald Trump said Friday that border patrol agents have been told to allow immigrants into the United States illegally "so they can vote in the election."

Trump spoke as he received the endorsement of the 16,500-person National Border Patrol Council on Friday at Trump Tower.

Art Del Cueto, a union official, said agents told him they had directives to ignore immigrants' criminal records so they can vote. Trump called it a huge story.

Neither Del Cueto nor Trump offered evidence to back up the claim. Newly admitted immigrants are not permitted to vote.

Trump has repeatedly said he fears the election will be rigged. He has made a hardline stance on immigration the centerpiece of his campaign.