President Donald Trump said Wednesday that his administration may use "a softer touch" in future immigration enforcement operations, while stressing that federal authorities must remain firm against violent crime and illegal activity.
"I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch," Trump said during an Oval Office interview with NBC News.
"But you still have to be tough."
The president emphasized that his administration is focused on removing "really hard criminals," while criticizing Democrat-led Minnesota officials for publicly attacking federal enforcement efforts despite behind-the-scenes talks with the White House.
"I've called the governor; I've called the mayor. Spoke to 'em. Had great conversations with them," Trump said.
"And then I see them ranting and raving out there, literally as though a call wasn't made."
Trump has been engaged in an ongoing dispute with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey since U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37, were fatally shot during separate encounters with federal immigration enforcement agents in January.
Both Democrats have sharply criticized the administration's operations in the Twin Cities area following the fatalities.
Senior Trump officials initially pointed to the background and behavior of Good and Pretti as part of a broader discussion about the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during enforcement actions.
Video footage later released became part of the public debate surrounding the incidents.
As public attention on the shootings has intensified, Trump has underscored that accountability and professionalism remain central to federal operations.
During a Jan. 20 White House briefing, the president acknowledged that federal agents "make mistakes sometimes."
Earlier on Wednesday, border czar Tom Homan announced the withdrawal of 700 federal immigration agents from Minnesota.
Asked whether the decision came from the White House, Trump confirmed it did.
"But it didn't come from me because I just wanted to do it," Trump said.
"We are waiting for them to release prisoners, give us the murderers that they're holding and all of the bad people, drug dealers, all of the bad people we allowed in our country."
Referring to former President Joe Biden's administration as "the autopen group," Trump accused his Democrat predecessor of allowing "25 million people" to enter the United States through an "open-border policy."
"People the likes of which no country would accept," Trump said. "And we're getting 'em out."
Trump has repeatedly said the Biden administration's border policies overwhelmed U.S. communities and law enforcement.
According to Customs and Border Protection data, approximately 7.4 million illegal aliens crossed the border outside legal ports of entry during Biden's presidency.
Nicole Weatherholtz ✉
Nicole Weatherholtz, a Newsmax general assignment reporter covers news, politics, and culture. She is a National Newspaper Association award-winning journalist.
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