Trump says immigration crackdown was 'too tough' and played part in midterms defeat
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump admitted his immigration crackdown was "too tough," marking a rare public retreat from a key policy after the Republican Party's losses in the midterm elections.
- Trump claimed he deserved high marks for reducing illegal border crossings and deporting criminals but acknowledged political damage from deporting some lawful workers who entered illegally.
- Despite Trump's comments, the Department of Homeland Security and ICE maintained they would continue aggressive enforcement against criminal illegal immigrants, showing no signs of policy reversal.
- Trump expressed willingness to work with congressional Democrats on immigration reform but gave no specific plans, contrasting with his previous hardline stance.
- The recent appointment of Stephen Miller, a known immigration hardliner, as White House chief of staff suggests the administration's overall tough immigration approach remains intact.