'Trump was right' - John Kerry says Democrats allowed migrant 'siege' of US border

July 10, 2025

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry criticized fellow Democrats for allowing the US-Mexico border to be "under siege" during Biden's presidency, stating they "missed" on immigration and gave Republicans like Trump a political advantage. Kerry expressed that Democrats should have emphasized border protection and law enforcement rather than portraying Trump's immigration positions as harsh. While illegal border crossings have dropped during Trump's second term, his administration has shifted to detaining and deporting undocumented migrants across the US, including those who have lived in the country for years, prompting demonstrations and legal challenges from Democratic officials and cities.

Who is affected

Undocumented migrants living in the US, including long-term residents
Immigrant communities, particularly those near places like Los Angeles' MacArthur Park
US cities with significant immigrant populations
Democrats who are being criticized for their immigration stance
The Biden administration (retrospectively)

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is conducting identification, detention, and deportation operations across the US
Federal agents and California National Guard troops are carrying out enforcement actions in places like Los Angeles' MacArthur Park
Los Angeles and seven other California cities are pursuing a lawsuit against the Trump administration
California is filing a legal brief supporting the cities' lawsuit
Democrats in Congress are pushing for legislation to prohibit immigration officers from concealing their identities

Why it matters

The issue highlights a significant debate within the Democratic party about whether their pro-immigration policies cost them in recent elections
The enforcement actions are creating tension between federal authorities and local Democratic officials
Kerry's comments reveal divisions among Democrats about how to approach immigration policy
The ongoing operations have prompted mass demonstrations in some US cities
Despite some declining public support in polls, the Trump administration believes immigration remains an issue where they have political advantage

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC