During a Sunday interview with CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, President Trump addressed various incidents linked to ICE’s enforcement activities, including videos showing an agent shoving a woman at an immigration courthouse and tear gas use in Chicago. O’Donnell questioned whether the raids had gone too far, to which Trump responded that they had not, citing judicial restrictions as the main obstacle. He suggested that the process is being impeded by ‘liberal judges’ appointed under previous administrations.
In his comments, Trump emphasized that the goal is to deport a significant number of undocumented immigrants, estimating around 25 million people should be removed. He described many of those being targeted as dangerous, with some having been expelled from their home countries due to criminal activities or mental health issues. The administration has consistently maintained that the focus is on deporting the ‘worst of the worst’ individuals, framing the actions as necessary measures to ensure national security.
The federal government has faced legal challenges, with some courts limiting ICE’s ability to conduct arrests without warrants. These legal restrictions have contributed to internal tensions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where certain officials and leaders have pushed for a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. The recent leadership changes at ICE, as reported by Fox News, highlight the growing divisions within the agency. Notably, senior adviser Corey Lewandowski and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino have been vocal advocates for expanding the scope of deportations, aiming to increase the number of individuals removed from the U.S.
Despite the controversies, Trump has maintained confidence in the effectiveness of the deportation strategy, stating that it will take a long time to achieve the targeted number. He acknowledged that estimates vary, with some suggesting the number of undocumented immigrants in the country may be lower than his 25 million figure. Nonetheless, he believes that the efforts are aligned with public safety and national interests. The administration’s stance continues to face significant opposition, both legally and politically, as the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies.