Former President Trump, in a recent interview, asserted that the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) haven't been forceful enough, even as those actions have ignited widespread protests and legal challenges.
Questioned directly about disturbing footage – an ICE agent forcefully shoving a woman at a courthouse, tear gas deployed in a Chicago neighborhood, and smashed car windows – the former president offered a stark defense of the agency’s methods.
“No,” he stated, when asked if the raids had gone too far. “I think they haven't gone far enough.” He attributed limitations on ICE’s actions to what he described as obstruction from judges appointed by previous administrations.
Pressed on whether he approved of the tactics employed, Trump was unequivocal. His reasoning centered on the perceived danger posed by undocumented individuals, claiming a significant portion were criminals, including murderers and those released from mental institutions.
The former president painted a picture of a nation inundated with dangerous individuals, asserting that many had been expelled from their home countries for criminal behavior or originated from prisons and mental health facilities.
During his time in office, the Trump administration initiated large-scale immigration raids in major cities, fulfilling a central campaign promise of mass deportations. The stated focus was consistently on removing the “worst of the worst” – those deemed criminal illegal migrants.
Internal friction within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding ICE’s tactics recently led to a leadership reshuffle, signaling a push for even more aggressive enforcement. Key figures within DHS reportedly advocated for targeting anyone residing in the U.S. without legal authorization.
This intensified approach has not been without legal repercussions. DHS and ICE officials are currently named in a civil rights lawsuit alleging the unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters and journalists near an ICE facility in Illinois.
The lawsuit, brought by a coalition of media organizations and individual protesters, claims a deliberate suppression of dissent and press activity. The former president, however, remains steadfast in his commitment to large-scale deportations.
He estimates that approximately 25 million people are living in the U.S. without authorization – a figure others place closer to 10 million – and believes a significant number should be removed from the country. He indicated his immigration mission would be considered complete once “many” of these individuals are deported.
