The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Sunday that President Trump has no plans to relax the crackdown on illegal immigrants. Leavitt emphasized in an interview with Fox’s “Sunday Morning Futures” that President Trump will not waver in his commitment to deport illegal immigrant criminals who have violated U.S. laws and committed further violent crimes against American citizens.
Despite strong opposition from Democrats, Leavitt reiterated that Trump will not “waver” on addressing the issue of illegal immigration. She emphasized that the Trump administration consistently stands on the side of law and order, aiming to expel illegal immigrants such as rapists, murderers, pedophiles, and other criminals to protect national security, commending the President for his outstanding efforts in this regard.
She called on Democrats to “stop demonizing” immigrants, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Border Patrol agents, stressing that ICE and Border Patrol agents are true patriots who deserve respect, and Democrats must refrain from demonizing them.
Leavitt strongly criticized the comparison of federal agents to Nazi Gestapo, calling such remarks “appalling” and attributing them to the increase in violence and threats against law enforcement officers.
At a time when immigration enforcement officers are facing continuous protests and violent threats, Leavitt’s statements hold significance. Two shooting incidents occurred in Minnesota in January, where clashes between Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Border Patrol agents and individuals obstructing immigration enforcement resulted in two fatalities. These incidents sparked significant concern, leading Democrats to call for reforms in federal immigration enforcement.
Congress is currently deliberating on the fiscal year 2026 funding bill, with Democratic senators pushing to exclude certain provisions related to DHS funding, particularly an additional allocation of approximately $10 billion for ICE from the six appropriations bills passed by the House of Representatives. They argue that the bill must include modifications to immigration enforcement, such as establishing federal agent conduct guidelines and requiring officers to present identification.
After negotiations at the White House, the Senate eventually agreed to separate the funding for DHS from the rest, providing a two-week buffer period for bipartisan talks.
President Trump has taken a tactical approach of stepping back to move forward, issuing a challenge. On January 31st, he declared that he had instructed DHS to refrain from intervening in any protests or riots occurring in cities governed by Democrats unless they seek federal assistance. He also issued a warning, stating that DHS would swiftly enforce crackdowns on “these highly paid agitators and rioters” once federal buildings and properties are vandalized.
President Trump specifically advised Democratic officials in cities experiencing vandalism and riots, stating, “When you’re ready to request federal aid, please let us know, and we will come immediately—but before we do, you must use the word ‘PLEASE’.”