President Donald Trump defends aggressive ICE tactics in CBS interview, stating immigration raids have not gone far enough amid protests
WEST PALM BEACH: President Donald Trump has declared that aggressive US immigration raids have not gone far enough despite sparking widespread protests and rights violation allegations.
Trump made these remarks during a CBS “60 Minutes” interview conducted on Friday, marking his first sit-down with the broadcaster since their 16 million dollar settlement.
The Republican president had previously sued the Paramount-owned organization over a 2024 pre-election interview with his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris.
Interviewer Norah O’Donnell specifically asked whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids had “gone too far” in their enforcement tactics.
Trump responded that he believed the operations “haven’t gone far enough” rather than being excessive.
He attributed limitations on immigration operations to “liberal judges” appointed by former Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
O’Donnell presented documented instances of ICE agents using physical force against suspected immigrants and deploying tear gas in residential neighborhoods.
She questioned whether the president approved of tactics that included agents smashing open car windows during operations.
Trump defended these methods by stating “you have to get the people out” when asked about the aggressive approaches.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pursued massive deportation waves that formed a central promise of his 2024 presidential campaign.
Increased ICE raids have triggered protests and unrest across the country, particularly in Democratic-led cities targeted for enforcement surges.
The administration has sought to deploy National Guard troops to support ICE agents and protect immigration facilities in these cities.
Local officials have filed lawsuits claiming Trump overstepped his authority by ordering military deployment for immigration enforcement.
National Guard troops have already been deployed in Los Angeles to support immigration operations.
Similar deployment efforts in Portland and Chicago have been temporarily blocked by federal court rulings. – AFP
