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Administration official stresses strict ICE enforcement, 287(g) partnerships and deportation practices
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Summary
During a Nashville press event, a senior administration official said ICE and partner agencies are enforcing federal immigration law, described 287(g) agreements and removal priorities, and said countries are cooperating to accept returnees.
At a press event at Nashville International Airport, a senior administration official said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were enforcing federal law and described the administration's priorities for removals, partnerships with local and state law enforcement, and cooperation with other countries to accept returnees.
"What we do and what President Trump has directed us to do is to make sure that we're upholding federal law and that we are making sure that it applies equally to everybody," the administration official said, adding that ICE officers focus on people with convictions, charges, or final removal orders and on what the official termed the "worst of the worst criminals."
The official said the agency uses a "whole-of-government approach," including Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals, ATF and DEA personnel, and state and local law enforcement, and cited more than 800 287(g) agreements as part of cooperative arrangements with local jurisdictions. The official also said the federal government sometimes pays for return travel and that, when people returned to their home countries, they are given funds on arrival and may be assisted by programs in their home countries — remarks the official described as part of efforts to encourage voluntary departures.
The official responded to questions about pending legislation, saying they had not read the Dignity Act but that Congress could change the law if it so chose. The official repeatedly framed the agency's role as implementing and enforcing existing federal law and said people who disagree with the law should seek changes through Congress.
What the event did and did not establish
The official made several specific assertions about enforcement statistics and cooperative arrangements: the official said the administration had removed more than 600 known or suspected terrorists and "thousands and thousands" of gang members since taking office, and said some returnees have been assisted by foreign programs that offer loans, job training, or scholarships. These claims were stated by the official without citation at the event.
The official also said that enforcement priorities include people with criminal convictions, people with charges pending, and those with final removal orders. The official said due process is afforded to people detained by ICE and that referrals to the Department of Justice will be made when appropriate.
Ending
The official closed the session by reiterating that enforcement reflects existing federal law and by thanking TSA officers present at the event. The official urged anyone with questions about specific practices to consult congressional action if they seek legal change.
