Trump Defends Aggressive ICE Operations: "Haven't Gone Far Enough" on US Immigration Enforcement

President Trump has been advocating for more extensive deportation operations since his return to the White House.

United States:

President Donald Trump declared in a CBS interview released Sunday that the controversial US immigration raids, which have triggered protests and accusations of human rights violations, "haven't gone far enough."

The interview with CBS's "60 Minutes" program took place on Friday, marking Trump's first conversation with the network since they reached a $16 million settlement with him.

The Republican president had previously filed a lawsuit against the Paramount-owned media organization regarding a 2024 pre-election interview they conducted with his Democratic opponent, former vice president Kamala Harris.

When interviewer Norah O'Donnell questioned whether the operations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have "gone too far," the 79-year-old president responded firmly: "I think they haven't gone far enough."

Trump alleged that "liberal judges" appointed during the administrations of Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden had "held back" immigration enforcement efforts, according to the interview excerpt shared on X.

O'Donnell referenced documented incidents of ICE agents physically restraining suspected immigrants, using tear gas in residential areas, and breaking car windows.

When asked if he approved of these tactics, Trump replied, "Yeah, because you have to get the people out."

Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has championed an extensive deportation campaign, which was a central promise of his 2024 presidential campaign.

The increased ICE raids have sparked demonstrations across the nation, particularly in Democrat-governed cities where Trump's administration has concentrated "surges" of enforcement agents.

Trump has attempted to deploy National Guard troops to support these agents and secure immigration facilities in these cities, prompting legal challenges from local officials who argue he has exceeded his presidential authority.

His administration has successfully deployed troops in Los Angeles, while similar efforts in Portland and Chicago have been temporarily halted by federal court rulings.