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Former ICE Director: Trump's Immigration Tactics Resemble Police State

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sarah Saldaña, former ICE director under Barack Obama, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement as resembling a police state.
She argued Trump’s deportations differ from Obama’s, who aimed for community safety without sweeping neighborhoods.
Saldaña said requiring people to prove identity is dangerous and infringes civil rights.
She added that deploying agents during raids, especially in states with large immigrant populations, does not boost public safety and creates tension.

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Story summary

Sarah Saldaña, former ICE director under Barack Obama, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement as resembling a police state.
She argued Trump’s deportations differ from Obama’s, who aimed for community safety without sweeping neighborhoods.
Saldaña said requiring people to prove identity is dangerous and infringes civil rights.
She added that deploying agents during raids, especially in states with large immigrant populations, does not boost public safety and creates tension.