President Donald Trump recently stated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids conducted during his administration have not been aggressive enough. He believes these operations have faced obstacles from what he describes as "liberal judges" who were appointed by former President Barack Obama and current President Joe Biden.
In an interview aired on CBS’s "60 Minutes," Trump defended his administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. He was questioned by correspondent Norah O’Donnell about claims that ICE has used excessive force, including tear gas, in neighborhoods. Trump responded by asserting that the courts have hindered their efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
He specifically mentioned that judges have blocked attempts to deport Venezuelan gang members and to expedite deportations of detained migrants. Trump’s administration has carried out ICE raids in various major cities, which have sparked protests and sometimes violent backlash. For instance, there were riots in Los Angeles County over the summer when federal agents began making arrests.
Trump emphasized the need for aggressive immigration policies, arguing that many individuals targeted for deportation are dangerous criminals. He claimed that over 11,000 illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds have been released into the U.S., with many having committed multiple murders. He stated that the focus of deportation efforts should be on removing these "bad ones" from the country.
The former president reiterated a strong stance on immigration, insisting that anyone who enters the U.S. illegally should be removed. He expressed a willingness to work with those individuals to help them return legally in the future, stating that there are many good people among those who immigrate.
As the debate over immigration continues, Trump’s comments highlight a significant divide in opinions on how to handle illegal immigration and the role of the judicial system in enforcing immigration laws.
