Trump Defends ICE Tactics, Claims Immigration Raids “Haven’t Gone Far Enough”
WASHINGTON D.C. – Former President donald trump defended aggressive tactics employed by immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and asserted that current immigration raids are insufficient,in a recent interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes.” The interview, Trump’s first with the network since reaching a $16 million settlement with its parent company, Paramount, revealed a staunch defense of his administration’s hardline immigration policies.
When asked by interviewer Norah O’Donnell if ICE raids had gone “too far,” Trump responded, ”I don’t think they’ve gone far enough.” He further justified the use of controversial tactics, acknowledging documented instances of ICE agents using tear gas in residential neighborhoods and damaging vehicles, stating, “Yes, because we have to get people out.”
Trump, who returned to the White House in January, has prioritized a “massive wave of deportations,” fulfilling a key campaign promise. This push has led to increased ICE raids across the country, sparking protests and unrest, particularly in cities led by Democrats where the administration has deployed meaningful numbers of agents.
The former president also attributed delays in immigration operations to what he called “liberal judges” appointed by Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Beyond increased enforcement, Trump’s administration has sought to bolster ICE operations with external support, attempting to deploy the National Guard to protect immigration facilities and agents. Troops have been deployed in Los Angeles, while similar deployments in Portland and Chicago have been temporarily halted by federal court rulings.
The interview aired on CBS this Sunday and represents a significant statement on Trump’s continued commitment to strict immigration control.