The Trump administration, along with Republican lawmakers, has sharply criticized Massachusetts Democrats and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz for likening Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions to the Gestapo, a police force of Nazi Germany.
During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Stephen Lynch made a comparison: “When you take old footage of the Gestapo taking people off the streets in Poland and look at those agents today, it does evoke those images.” This event included questioning from Waltz, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker about their states’ immigration policies and how they align with federal regulations. The White House quickly condemned Lynch’s remarks, labeling them “disgusting.”
Rep. Andy Biggs from Arizona labeled Lynch’s comments as “sick,” asserting that drawing parallels between lawful policing and historical acts of oppression was a severe mischaracterization. He stated, “Borders and substantial deportation issues tend to be a prevalent concern, but Democrats focus on maintaining a facade of virtue.” Biggs posted this sentiment on X.
The Republican National Committee, through an account, remarked, “This dangerous rhetoric incites violence nationwide.” Waltz faced similar backlash during the hearing, especially given his previous comments regarding ICE in a speech at the University of Minnesota Law School.
Waltz had commented, “Donald Trump’s modern-day Gestapo is apprehending individuals in unmarked vehicles, often under dire circumstances.” He described these actions as deeply distressing for affected families, noting that individuals were taken without any chance to defend themselves or bid farewell to their loved ones.
Rep. Tom Emmer from Minnesota confronted Waltz by referencing his past statements and questioning whether such inflammatory language could be linked to recent attacks on ICE agents.
Waltz maintained that he supports policies which hinder law enforcement from implementing federal laws that many agree are unjust. He expressed sorrow over his refusal to take back the comparison of ICE to the Nazis, asserting, “The agents of ICE are brave Americans.”
DHS echoed Emmer’s criticisms, stating they were weary of Waltz’s comparisons, underscoring the dangers faced by ICE agents, who, they noted, risk their lives during their operations against unauthorized immigrants. As the ongoing conflict between Trump administration officials and Democratic state leaders continues, the topic of compliance with federal immigration laws remains a contentious issue. ICE reportedly aims to effectuate approximately 3,000 arrests linked to illegal immigration nationwide each day.
