President Donald Trump conceded that his administration’s aggressive immigration sweeps went too far, admitting that the hardline deportations hit employed workers.
Speaking in an interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump acknowledged that immigration enforcement measures reached individuals with steady jobs whose only legal issue was entering the United States without authorization.
“But I get hurt because we also took people that had good jobs, that created one violation, or breaking of the law, and that was that they came into the country illegally,” Trump said.
Reflecting on the fallout of his administration’s crackdown, he added:
“I think it was too tough.”
Trump Recognizes Divide Regarding Deportations
Trump acknowledged a divide within his administration over how to handle undocumented immigrants who have built stable lives and careers in the U.S.
While some argue that anyone who crossed the border illegally must be expelled, Trump noted that other officials favor helping those actively contributing to the economy.
He singled out workers in industries like landscaping and hospitality, emphasizing that many pay taxes into the system.
According to Trump, a significant portion of the American public supports giving these workers a chance to stay, while others demand uncompromising enforcement.
Despite expressing regret over the reach of the deportations, Trump firmly defended his broader border agenda, insisting his administration deserves top marks for securing the southern border.
He awarded his team a “A+” for border security efforts and gave equally high marks for prioritizing the removal of violent criminals, whom he referred to as “the bad ones.”
