Vice President JD Vance has revealed that the Biden administration’s dismantling of immigration enforcement systems has severely hampered the Trump administration’s efforts to increase deportations of illegal immigrants.
Key Takeaways
- VP Vance states that the Biden administration “gutted” immigration enforcement mechanisms, requiring a complete rebuild of the system.
- Despite challenges, deportations and arrests have increased since Trump took office, though not as rapidly as some expected.
- The administration is working to create pathways for illegal immigrants to voluntarily return to their home countries.
- Enforcement costs present a significant challenge that the Trump administration is prioritizing in its budget.
- Vance assures that progress will continue throughout Trump’s presidential term.
Biden’s Legacy of Dismantled Enforcement
During a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, Vice President JD Vance addressed concerns about the pace of deportations under the Trump administration, pointing to the previous administration as the root cause of current challenges. Vance emphasized that the immigration enforcement infrastructure had been systematically dismantled during President Biden’s tenure, creating substantial obstacles for the current administration’s border security goals. This dismantling has forced the Trump administration to rebuild enforcement capabilities from the ground up rather than simply executing on existing systems.
“First of all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And we have seen pretty significant increases in deportations and apprehensions and arrests, but we have to remember that President Biden gutted the entire immigration enforcement regime of this country. We are trying to rebuild so that we actually empower people to enforce the immigration laws of the American people,” Vance said.
Vice President JD Vance is leading a high-level White House delegation to Texas Wednesday to highlight the administration’s efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and secure the southern border.https://t.co/usAK8a9BEj
— KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) March 5, 2025
Progress Despite Challenges
Vance acknowledged that while deportation numbers have increased under the current administration, they haven’t met the expectations of some supporters. However, he stressed that significant progress is being made in rebuilding the enforcement apparatus. The administration has had to allocate substantial resources to recreate systems and protocols that were previously in place. This rebuilding process includes training personnel, establishing proper procedures, and ensuring legal compliance—all while managing the ongoing influx of illegal crossings at the southern border.
The vice president clarified that the administration’s approach isn’t solely focused on arrests and deportations but also includes creating pathways for illegal immigrants to return to their home countries voluntarily. This multifaceted strategy aims to reduce the illegal immigrant population through various means while prioritizing enforcement actions against those with criminal records or who pose security threats. The administration believes this balanced approach will yield better results over time as enforcement mechanisms continue to be strengthened.
Financial Constraints and Enforcement Priorities
Another significant challenge highlighted by Vice President Vance is the substantial cost associated with mass deportation efforts. The process of locating, detaining, processing, and transporting illegal immigrants back to their home countries requires enormous financial resources. Vance indicated that the administration is working to secure adequate funding to support these operations while balancing other national priorities. Despite these constraints, he emphasized that immigration enforcement remains a top priority for the Trump administration.
“We don’t have to go around and arrest every person, but we will enforce the American people’s immigration laws,” Vance said.
Vance reassured the public that the administration remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promises regarding immigration enforcement. He stated that progress will continue throughout President Trump’s term, with systems becoming more efficient as they are rebuilt and properly funded. The vice president also stressed the importance of encouraging legal immigration through proper channels while enforcing consequences for those who violate immigration laws, calling this approach “common sense” and aligned with the wishes of the American people.
