Trump Wanted to Release Immigrants to ‘Democratic Strongholds’

VOA

The Post report said in retribution for lawmakers’ unwillingness to authorize money to build the wall, the White House wanted to release detained immigrants in “Democratic strongholds,” including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s home district in San Francisco, California.

According to the account, the White House told U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security that the plan “was intended to alleviate a shortage of detention space but also served to send a message to Democrats.”

The newspaper reports that ICE lawyers rejected the White House plan “as inappropriate and rebuffed the administration.”

Both agencies have told The Post that the plan is “no longer under consideration.”

Ashley Etienne, a Pelosi spokeswoman, told the newspaper, “The extent of this administration’s cynicism and cruelty cannot be overstated.”She added, “Using human beings, including little children, as pawns in their warped game to perpetuate fear and demonize immigrants is despicable.”