Pearson Discusses Immigration on CNN

Democratic candidate Justin Pearson faced questions about his stance on immigration during a CNN discussion, where he sidestepped the issue of deporting illegal immigrants.

Pearson, who represents Tennessee’s 86th District in the state House, advocated for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection. He emphasized the need for a more effective system, stating, “We have to abolish ICE. We need a functioning Congress.” He expressed the belief that current agencies are not fulfilling their intended roles.

This provoked a response from Scott Jennings, who pushed Pearson on the practical implications, asking about the effectiveness of these agencies. Jennings questioned whether federal law enforcement is necessary for deportations and pressed Pearson for a straightforward answer.

Pearson took a nuanced position, suggesting that law enforcement should focus on immigration without resorting to violence. He highlighted the contributions of many individuals in the country and advocated for creating opportunities rather than prioritizing deportations.

When Jennings challenged him about the Democratic Party’s stance on immigration enforcement and whether they would advocate against deporting anyone, Pearson argued that the immigration issue is complex and shouldn’t be boiled down to simple “yes” or “no” questions.

He also remarked that previous administrations, particularly under Trump, have led to significant issues without effectively controlling illegal immigration.

As a 30-year-old candidate, Pearson is currently seeking election for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District, competing against long-time Congressman Stephen Cohen.