NC State sports announcer Gary Hahn got suspended when he called migrants in El Paso “illegal aliens.”

Some of my fellow Wolfpack fans jumped to his defense: “What’s wrong with that?” And, “They are illegal aliens.”

Here’s what’s wrong.

“Illegal aliens” is a dehumanizing term. No human being is “illegal.” They may do something illegal or act illegally, but no person is “illegal.”

“Illegal aliens” is a charged political phrase. It is intended to be divisive, demeaning and pejorative.

It is also, yes, racist.

And cruel words lead to cruel deeds.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott probably considered migrants “illegal” when he bused 140 of them — including babies, children and women – to Washington and dumped them at Vice President Kamala Harris’ official residence.

In 15-degree weather. On Christmas Eve.

Whatever became of Christian compassion?

Maybe you consider Hahn’s suspension to be wokeness run amok.

But we have enough bigotry, name-calling and hate-mongering already. We don’t need it infecting sports broadcasts.

Upon review, Hahn’s suspension should stand.