Maher Attacks Trump’s ICE
Liberal television host Bill Maher suggested Friday that Republicans could face political consequences over immigration enforcement as the issue continues to dominate national headlines ahead of the midterm elections.
During his HBO program Real Time with Bill Maher, Maher told Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana that recent public reaction to immigration enforcement operations could influence voter sentiment this fall.
Maher argued that while many Americans support border security, certain images and media coverage tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have fueled controversy, particularly in parts of the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota Becomes Flashpoint in Immigration Debate
According to local reporting, public demonstrations have taken place in Minnesota following an increased federal immigration presence in the state. Protesters have raised concerns about enforcement practices, while supporters argue the operations reflect long-standing federal law.
Despite harsh winter conditions, crowds gathered in downtown Minneapolis to voice opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration initiative known as Operation Metro Surge. Authorities have said most demonstrations were peaceful, though tensions occasionally required law-enforcement intervention to maintain public safety.
Maher Calls for De-Escalation
Maher suggested that both activists and officials should take a step back, proposing that the severe cold weather could provide an opportunity for de-escalation and reflection.
At the same time, he acknowledged a point frequently raised by conservatives: illegal immigration increased sharply during the Biden administration, creating pressure for stronger enforcement.
Senator Kennedy Emphasizes Rule of Law
Sen. Kennedy defended immigration enforcement, stating that respect for the rule of law is essential to a functioning democracy.
“No one is above the law,” Kennedy said, adding that enforcement must still comply with constitutional protections and due process standards.
He referenced long-standing Supreme Court precedent governing reasonable suspicion, emphasizing that how laws are enforced matters just as much as the laws themselves.
Debate Shifts to Long-Term Reform
Kennedy argued that meaningful immigration reform has repeatedly stalled due to political disagreements in Washington, particularly over demands for amnesty. He noted that the United States already admits more legal immigrants annually than any other country.
Maher, meanwhile, pointed to past administrations, arguing that immigration enforcement has been carried out before without generating the same level of public backlash, suggesting the current debate is driven as much by media framing as by policy itself.
As the midterm elections approach, immigration is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched—and politically charged—issues on the national stage.
