White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declares all illegal immigrants criminals, setting a new tone for immigration policy and media engagement.
Key Takeaways
- White House classifies all illegal immigrants as criminals for violating U.S. immigration laws.
- ICE has made 3,500 arrests since President Trump’s return to office, focusing on those with criminal records.
- Leavitt introduces a new media policy welcoming diverse voices, including influencers and podcasters, to White House press briefings.
- The administration’s stance marks a significant shift from previous approaches to illegal immigration.
- Critics argue that illegal presence is a civil, not criminal, violation under current law.
White House Takes Hard Stance on Illegal Immigration
In a bold declaration, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced that the Trump administration considers all illegal immigrants in the United States to be criminals. This stance marks a significant shift in immigration policy, emphasizing a stricter interpretation of U.S. immigration laws. “All of them, because they illegally broke our nation’s laws, and therefore, they are criminals as far as this administration goes,” Leavitt stated during a press briefing.
This hardline approach underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws. Since President Trump’s return to office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made 3,500 arrests, with a focus on individuals with criminal records. In a single day, ICE arrested 1,000 individuals and lodged 554 detainers, demonstrating the intensity of their operations.
Karoline Leavitt schools a reporter: "If you are an individual—a foreign national—who illegally enters the United States of America, you are by definition a criminal, and so therefore you are subject to deportation." pic.twitter.com/xJWOTAvMzb
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) January 28, 2025
Controversial Classification Sparks Debate
The administration’s classification of all illegal immigrants as criminals has ignited controversy. Critics argue that illegal presence in the United States is typically treated as a civil violation, not a criminal offense. Less than 0.5% of immigration court cases have involved deportation orders for crimes other than illegal entry. “I know the last administration didn’t see it that way, so it’s a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal, but that’s exactly what they are”, Karoline Leavitt went on to say.
Legal experts and immigrant advocates have expressed concern over this blanket classification. They argue that it could lead to unjust treatment of non-violent immigrants and potential family separations. Studies have shown that immigrants, both legal and undocumented, commit crimes at lower rates than U.S. citizens.
New Media Strategy Enhances Transparency
Alongside the immigration policy shift, Leavitt has introduced a groundbreaking media strategy. The White House is now welcoming a diverse group of voices to press briefings, including reporters, influencers, content creators, and podcasters. This move aims to uphold the First Amendment by ensuring varied perspectives are represented in official communications.
The inclusion of new media representatives, such as Breitbart News Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boyle and Axios co-founder Mike Allen, in the press corps signals a shift towards greater inclusivity in White House communications. Leavitt has encouraged various media content creators to apply for press credentials, ensuring a wide representation of voices in the press room.
As the youngest press secretary in White House history, Leavitt’s approach reflects a modern understanding of media dynamics and a commitment to transparency. This strategy aims to broaden the reach of White House communications and engage with a wider audience.
Sources:
All undocumented immigrants are “criminals,” Trump administration says
White House Declares All Illegal Aliens Are Criminals
