White House says immigration enforcement will stay strict
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump will not soften his crackdown on illegal immigration, even as Democrats increase their criticism of federal enforcement agencies.
Speaking on Sunday Morning Futures, Leavitt said Trump remains committed to deporting undocumented immigrants who have criminal records. She said this promise was part of what helped him win support from nearly 80 million voters.
Leavitt defends ICE and Border Patrol
Leavitt strongly defended ICE and Border Patrol agents. She called them “true patriots” and said they deserve respect.
She also urged Democrats to stop attacking federal agents and stop “demonizing” them in public statements.
White House criticizes harsh comparisons to Nazis
Leavitt criticized what she called extreme political rhetoric, especially comparisons between immigration agents and the Nazi Gestapo.
She told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo that such statements have contributed to more threats and violence against law enforcement personnel.
Leavitt added that the administration will continue focusing on law and order. She said the goal is to remove dangerous criminals from the country and protect Americans.
Minneapolis tensions grow after fatal shootings involving agents
Leavitt’s comments come at a time of rising tension in Minneapolis. Immigration enforcement actions there have faced heavy public and political scrutiny.
The controversy grew after at least two civilians died in separate shootings involving federal agents. One incident involved the Jan. 7 killing of 37 year old Renée Nicole Good by an ICE agent. Another involved the later fatal shooting of Veterans Affairs ICU nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol agent.
Democrats call for changes, White House rejects demands
Following these incidents, Democratic lawmakers have called for major changes to federal immigration enforcement.
Some Democrats have demanded the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The Trump administration has rejected those calls.
