Michelle Obama reveals her sleepless nights over Trump’s immigration policies while former ICE chief Tom Homan defends the administration’s focus on deporting criminals.
Quick Takes
- Michelle Obama expressed that Trump’s deportation policies targeting immigrants “frightens me, it keeps me up at night” during a recent podcast appearance.
- She drew parallels between current immigration enforcement and racial bias her family experienced in Chicago.
- Obama criticized what she perceives as a lack of due process in deportation decisions.
- Border czar Tom Homan countered that the administration prioritizes deporting criminals, with nearly 75% of recent ICE arrests being accused or convicted criminals.
- The White House reports 139,000 deportations since Trump took office.
Former First Lady Voices Immigration Concerns
Michelle Obama has stepped back into the political spotlight, expressing deep concerns about President Trump’s immigration policies during a recent appearance on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast. The former First Lady specifically highlighted fears for immigrant communities in her hometown of Chicago, suggesting the administration’s approach lacks proper due process and may be influenced by racial bias. While acknowledging her privileged position as a former First Lady, Obama emphasized that her worries extend beyond her personal circumstances to everyday people affected by current immigration enforcement practices.
“In this current climate, for me it’s what’s happening to immigrants,” Obama stated during the podcast. “It’s not the fear for myself anymore. And that … frightens me, it keeps me up at night.”
Drawing Parallels to Personal Experiences
Obama connected current immigration enforcement to her family’s experiences with racial bias in Chicago. She shared stories about her brother’s childhood encounters with prejudice, suggesting these personal histories shape her perspective on today’s immigration debates. The former First Lady expressed particular concern for communities of color across the country, arguing they may lack adequate advocates in the current political environment. Her comments reflect broader Democratic criticisms of the administration’s immigration approach.
The former First Lady has maintained a visible political presence since leaving the White House. She actively campaigned for Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle and has been vocal in her criticism of Trump’s politics. Obama notably skipped Trump’s inauguration, later explaining her absence in terms that sparked additional controversy. Her recent comments continue her pattern of speaking out on policies she finds concerning.
Administration Defends Enforcement Priorities
In contrast to Obama’s criticisms, border security chief Tom Homan defended the administration’s approach, emphasizing that deportation efforts primarily target individuals with criminal records. According to White House statistics, authorities have carried out 139,000 deportations since Trump took office. Data from the administration’s first 50 days showed that among 32,809 illegal immigrants arrested by ICE, nearly 75% were either accused of or convicted of crimes.
Critics of Obama’s comments have pointed to the deportation record of the Obama administration, which removed over 3 million people during its eight years, drawing criticism from progressive groups. The Trump administration has reportedly used various legal mechanisms to expedite deportations, including measures like the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which has raised concerns about procedural protections. The debate highlights fundamental differences in how the two parties approach immigration enforcement and border security policies.
Sources:
- Michelle Obama is most fearful of this Trump administration policy: ‘Keeps me up at night’
- Michelle Obama Admits That Trump Still ‘Keeps Her Up’ at Night: ‘Frightens Me’
