Trump Signals Shift in Immigration Approach; Louisiana Lawmakers React
The President stated on CBS that his deportation efforts were too tough, prompting mixed responses from local Democratic and industry leaders regarding the impact on the workforce.
By Alexei Brooks ·
President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that he is prepared to collaborate with the incoming Democratic majority in Congress on immigration legislation. This statement follows a Sunday interview on CBS' 60 Minutes, in which the President acknowledged that his administration's deportation strategy may have been overly aggressive.
"I think it was too tough. I think it might be too tough, yeah," Trump told the 60 Minutes interviewers. He added that he would love to work with the new congressional leadership to address the issue.
The President's shift in rhetoric comes as his administration reorganizes its top ranks. On Friday, Trump appointed Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles. Miller served as the primary architect of the administration's strict immigration enforcement policies.
Louisiana Democratic Rep. Troy Carter responded to the news during a Monday interview with FOX 8. Carter said that while it is positive when the President reevaluates his stance, he questioned the sincerity of the move given the promotion of Miller.
"Anytime the President rethinks himself, that’s a good thing. But clearly, he can’t mean it enough, because he doubled down by the architect of his failed immigration policy has now just been promoted to his chief of staff," Carter said. He expressed doubt about how much the President has learned from the recent political changes.
Carter noted that Louisiana residents supported the initial goal of removing dangerous individuals from the streets. However, he argued that recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations have disrupted communities and targeted lawful residents.
"Heretofore, his ICE operations have been grossly disruptive, illegal, murderous and has gone after working people, has gone after children and housewives and people that have been in our community as lawful individuals for many, many years," Carter said. He defined an ideal deal as a complete revamp of the system that creates a path to citizenship and eliminates profiling.
Dan Mills, CEO of the Homebuilders Association of Greater New Orleans, said the President's comments align with industry concerns. Mills stated that while the border strategy was effective, the enforcement measures went further than many were prepared for.
Mills explained that workforce shortages affect not only construction but also hospitality and agriculture. He said his organization has lobbied in Washington for two key bills: the Constructs Act, which focuses on workforce development, and the Dignity Act, which aims to balance border security with legal immigration pathways.
"What we have seen through the immigration crackdown is a reduction in labor across the board," Mills said. He emphasized the need for a secure border alongside a legal workforce to support the local economy. Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Sen. John Kennedy did not respond to requests for comment on the President's new stance.
