During a recent press conference, President Donald Trump asserted that criminal illegal immigrants being deported from the United States are so violent they “make the Hells Angels look like the kindest people on earth.” He contended that heightened border enforcement is leading to what he refers to as “reverse immigration.”
Trump’s statements arose as he presented images of individuals targeted by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents in cities such as Minneapolis. He claimed that for the first time in 50 years, there are more illegal immigrants leaving the U.S. than entering, attributing this trend to previous border policies established during former President Joe Biden’s administration, which he argued allowed dangerous criminals to enter the country.
“Remember when I said that the people who come to this country as immigrants are very nice people, great people; they don’t commit crimes?” Trump reflected, adding, “No, they make our criminals look like babies. They make our Hells Angels look like the kindest people on earth.”
Trump noted that, in his view, members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club are now seen as “fine, high-quality people,” and mentioned his fondness for them because they supported him.
He also claimed that some individuals being deported were transfers from foreign prisons, including some from Congo, stating, “They’re some of the toughest, meanest people I’ve ever met.” He criticized the previous policies that permitted such individuals to enter the U.S.
White House officials elaborated that the enforcement efforts are primarily focused on undocumented immigrants with histories of violent felonies, gang affiliations, and outstanding warrants. As part of this initiative, ICE is broadening its targeted operations in major metropolitan areas, emphasizing those with severe criminal backgrounds.
This intensified enforcement has been notably prominent in Minnesota, where DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reported that over 10,000 illegal immigrants have been apprehended in and around Minneapolis, highlighting the administration’s commitment to domestic enforcement.
However, tensions flared following the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE officer earlier this month, igniting protests nationwide. Various groups, including religious organizations and trade unions, have organized demonstrations and planned coordinated economic protests in response to the operations and to honor Good’s memory.
