White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declares all illegal immigrants criminals, introduces new media access policy.
Quick Takes
- White House labels all illegal immigrants as criminals due to violation of immigration laws
- ICE has made 3,500 arrests since President Trump’s return to office
- New “new media seat” policy opens White House briefings to non-traditional media
- Administration aims to promote transparency and diverse media perspectives
White House Takes Hardline Stance on Illegal Immigration
In a significant shift from previous administrations, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced that the Trump administration now considers all illegal immigrants in the United States as criminals. This declaration marks a stark departure from past policies and underscores the administration’s commitment to stricter immigration enforcement.
During a recent press briefing, Leavitt made the administration’s position clear, stating, “All illegal aliens in the United States are considered criminals.” She elaborated on this stance, explaining that the act of entering the country illegally constitutes a violation of U.S. laws, thus rendering all undocumented immigrants criminals in the eyes of the current administration.
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
ICE Ramps Up Enforcement Efforts
In line with this new policy, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased its enforcement activities. Since President Trump’s return to office, ICE has made 3,500 arrests, with a particular focus on individuals with criminal records. In a single day, the agency arrested 1,000 individuals and lodged 554 detainers, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to its hardline approach.
Border Czar Tom Homan has indicated that these numbers are expected to rise as operations expand. The administration’s stance represents a clear break from previous approaches to immigration enforcement, signaling a renewed emphasis on strict adherence to immigration laws.
New Media Access Policy at White House Briefings
In addition to the immigration policy shift, Leavitt announced a groundbreaking change in media access to White House press briefings. The new “new media seat” policy opens the door for non-traditional media figures, including influencers, content creators, and podcasters, to participate in and ask questions during these briefings. ”
This innovative approach aims to honor the First Amendment by ensuring a diverse range of media perspectives contribute to government discourse. Leavitt praised the inclusion of outlets like Breitbart News and Axios, highlighting the administration’s commitment to incorporating a wide array of voices in the press room.
Implications and Reactions
The administration’s new stance on illegal immigration and the expansion of media access have generated significant discussion and debate. Supporters view these changes as necessary steps to enforce immigration laws and promote transparency in government communications. Critics, however, argue that the blanket criminalization of undocumented immigrants may oversimplify a complex issue and potentially lead to unjust treatment of non-violent individuals.
As these policies continue to unfold, their impact on immigration enforcement, media coverage, and public perception of government communications will be closely watched. The Trump administration’s approach represents a significant shift in both immigration policy and media relations.
Sources:
All undocumented immigrants are “criminals,” Trump administration says
White House Declares All Illegal Aliens Are Criminals
