White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to weigh in when asked whether Democratic-run cities across the country were being too lenient on crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
At a press conference Wednesday, Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Jean-Pierre why federal immigration laws aren’t tougher on border crossers accused of serious crimes. Doocy mentioned immigrants who were found squatting in the basements of New York City apartments this week, some of whom were arrested on drug and weapons charges.
“Six of them are currently out on bail. Does President Biden think such policies are making the country safer?” Doocy asked.
Jean-Pierre declined to comment on the details of the ongoing case, but said: “Anyone found guilty of a crime must be held accountable.”
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At a news conference, Jean-Pierre answered questions about funding to rebuild a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, funding for Ukraine in the House of Representatives, and the killing of World Central Kitchen staff in Gaza. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
“We have been very clear about that, and anyone who poses a danger to the community should be detained pre-trial,” she added.
In a follow-up question, Doocy asked if President Biden thinks some liberal cities are being too soft on crime in general.
“I’m not going to speak to every state and city here. It’s not for me to speak to,” Jean-Pierre said, declining to answer questions. He reiterated that Biden believes those who commit crimes should be held accountable.
“We welcome the assistance and cooperation of local police in arresting and removing them.” [those] People who pose a danger to the national security or public safety of this country. If they are found guilty, they should be held accountable. That’s ours and that’s our position on this issue. ”
Ice agent slams LA’s ‘frustrating’ sanctuary policy to crack down on illegal immigrants committing crimes
ICE and ERO officers detained illegal immigrants. (Todd Packard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE))
Amid record numbers of illegal border crossings under Biden’s watch, high-profile crimes involving immigrants have made national headlines.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens said agents arrested more than 6,400 people with criminal convictions in fiscal year 2024. In February, Border Patrol arrested 10 undocumented immigrants with violent criminal histories, including convictions for murder, rape, and drug and weapons trafficking.
Border Patrol arrested 6,400 convicted illegal immigrants and 178 gang members in 2024
Migrants flooded into Eagle Pass, Texas, awaiting processing in December. (Fox News)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials say “sanctuary” policies in certain Democratic-run cities are hampering their ability to remove criminal aliens from the streets and prohibiting cooperation with local law enforcement. expressed dissatisfaction.
ICE files a detainer when it determines that a removable illegal immigrant has been arrested on criminal charges. It would require detainees to be notified before immigrants are released from custody and to remain in custody until ICE is able to detain them.
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However, some argue that sanctuary jurisdictions generally do not respect detainees, that enforcement is not their responsibility, and that doing so has a chilling effect on relations between migrants and their communities.
ICE’s website states: “When law enforcement does not honor immigration detainees and release serious criminals onto the streets, it undermines ICE’s ability to protect public safety and carry out its mission.” warns.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan, Bill Melugin and Adam Shaw contributed to this report.
