Kabuki theater. Update to this previous story.
Via IJR:
Last weekend the Obama administration’s Department of Homeland Security raided, arrested, and began the deportation process for 121 people illegally living in the United States — and Democrats aren’t happy about it.
In a move that may isolate President Obama from his natural political allies, the White House acknowledged the complaints while stressing that nothing will change the President’s decision to continue the practice.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest responded to the criticism Friday, telling reporters:
“We’re of course aware of these concerns. But the enforcement strategy and priorities that the administration has articulated are not going to change.”
Earnest defended the raids, calling them “consistent with the need to follow due process.”
The raids are focused on deporting illegal migrants from Central America who came to the United States in 2014, when 140,000 people, including 69,000 unaccompanied minors, fled their home countries.
Though 121 people arrested may sound like a modest start, Congressional Democrats immediately came out against the policy when it was announced in late December.
The day before Earnest spoke, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) asked the administration to “just back off,” according to The Hill.
Calling the immigrants “entitled to stay here,” he said.