Trump: Deportation Push Has Not Targeted Farm and Hotel Workers
The president stated on Monday that enforcement pressure on low-wage employees remains low compared to actions against those with criminal records.
By Yuki Melnyk ·
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that his administration’s mass deportation agenda has not placed the same burden on migrant laborers as it has on individuals he identified as criminals. Speaking during a phone interview with C-SPAN, Trump addressed whether law-abiding residents who pay taxes and have lived in the United States for extended periods should face removal alongside those who committed serious offenses.
Trump said the administration has certainly not applied the same push to these workers as it has to murderers or drug dealers. He added that a major issue was mental institutions releasing dangerous people into the country, noting that the administration calls the targets of deportation the worst of the worst. He specifically mentioned that there has been no same pressure on waitresses or farm workers, stating, "Not even close."
These comments followed the president’s suggestion that his administration might work with Democrats on a deal for immigrants who have lived in the U.S. illegally for more than a decade. This proposal emerged after Republicans lost majorities in both chambers of Congress in last week’s midterm elections. During a 60 Minutes interview that aired on Sunday, host Ross Douthat asked Trump if he was open to collaborating with Democrats on immigration during the lame-duck session. Trump replied, "I’d love to do something on immigration."
When asked if enforcement hurt Republicans in the midterms, Trump said it both helped and hurt the party. He praised border enforcement but acknowledged criticism regarding the removal of employed individuals. Trump admitted, "But I get hurt because we also took people that had good jobs." He noted that some Americans believe all illegal entrants should be deported, while others support keeping longtime workers in roles such as landscaping or hotel service, especially if they pay taxes.
Trump described the difficulty of removing hotel staff, including maids, cleaners, and waitresses, from the country. He observed that people on the far-right favor deportations regardless of employment status, while others struggle to see essential workers removed. The president also commented on the potential impeachment of Pete Hegseth, saying he would be disappointed if some Republicans voted for it.
Regarding the conflict with Iran, Trump said he did not know when it would end, noting that it could be resolved quickly or over a short period. He explained that he is proceeding with a specific strategy after speaking with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. These neighboring countries were attacked violently by Iran and would have preferred a different approach over a second strike that would have been approximately five times bigger than the first.
The president’s remarks come as he navigates the final stretch of his presidency with a divided Congress. His comments on the labor force and the war in Iran provide a snapshot of his current priorities and political calculations.
