Trump’s Chilling Response on Deporting U.S. Citizens
During an interview, Donald Trump gave a chilling response when asked about sending “homegrown criminals” to foreign prisons. His administration’s previous focus on immigration has led to the deportation of non-U.S. citizens, but now the president suggests even U.S. citizens could face being sent overseas.
Trump’s Controversial Proposal
Trump made this statement during an interview with Rachel Campos-Duffy for the Spanish-language Fox Noticias program. When asked if his approach could apply to “our own violent criminals,” Trump replied, “I call them homegrown criminals… the ones that grew up and something went wrong.”
Interest in Sending American Criminals Abroad
Trump revealed that his administration is exploring the idea of sending American criminals to foreign prisons, saying, “We want to do it.” He added a chilling six-word remark: “I would love to do that.”
Legal Challenges to the Plan
Trump also mentioned that Attorney General Pam Bondi is reviewing the law on deporting “homegrown criminals.” While legal experts argue the proposal may be unconstitutional, Trump continued to express interest in legally deporting U.S. citizens. He emphasized his desire to address what he called “monsters” who commit violent acts.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts quickly responded, stating that deporting U.S. citizens would violate the Constitution. Emma Winger, a lawyer at the American Immigration Council, noted that the current immigration laws do not apply to U.S. citizens. Professors from Georgia State University College of Law and the Cato Institute further argued that exiling U.S. citizens is not permissible under U.S. law.
White House Response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump is focused on deporting “heinous, violent criminals” if there is a legal pathway to do so.