Open: This is "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Feb. 1, 2026

Anger over US Immigration Enforcement Boils Over Across the Country

Mayors from major cities are speaking out against the Biden administration's handling of immigration enforcement, as frustration with the policies continues to simmer across America. Their messages of defiance echo a growing national conversation about the role of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in communities across the nation.

Among those sharing their concerns is Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela's opposition leader who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless advocacy on behalf of human rights. Her words shed light on a complex issue that has sparked heated debates across the country.

Machado, who has faced threats and intimidation for her activism, warned of the devastating consequences of US policies aimed at detaining asylum seekers and migrant families. "The message is clear: if you're not born here, if you don't have papers, we will take you away from your children," she said in an interview.

The mayors speaking out against ICE come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique experiences of grappling with the policies' impact on their cities. While some point to rising homelessness and strain on local resources as a result of ICE's actions, others argue that it is fuelling a culture of fear among immigrant communities, preventing them from coming forward to report crimes or seek help.

As anger at ICE continues to build across the country, one thing becomes clear: there are no easy answers. The mayors and activists interviewed for this special episode of "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" emphasize the need for a more inclusive approach to immigration enforcement, one that balances tough action on security with compassion and understanding for those seeking protection.

For Machado, the stakes are high. She warned that the US's failure to support Venezuelan migrants fleeing persecution under the Maduro regime is equivalent to supporting authoritarian rule. "This is not just an issue of immigrants coming into your country; it's about a global situation where millions of people need help," she said, her voice filled with urgency.

The mayors and Machado are among those pushing for change in Washington, demanding that policymakers listen to the voices of local communities and find solutions that balance security and compassion.
 
ICE is totally outta hand ๐Ÿšซ๐Ÿ˜ก. I mean, can't we just have a system where people can come in, be vetted, and then actually get some help if they need it? Instead, these policies are creating this culture of fear where people are too afraid to even report crimes because they're worried about being deported ๐Ÿคฏ. And what's with the threat of taking away kids from their parents? That's just heartbreaking ๐Ÿ˜”. We need to find a way to balance security with compassion and actually support those who are seeking protection, not punish them for trying to escape persecution ๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ’•
 
I'm literally so done with all this ICE drama ๐Ÿคฏ! Like, I get it, security is important, but can't we find a way to be more chill about it? These mayors are speaking out because they're seeing the real impact of these policies on their communities - rising homelessness, strain on local resources, and fear in immigrant communities. It's not just about immigration, it's about human rights and compassion โค๏ธ. And can we please just listen to experts like Maria Corina Machado? She's a Nobel Peace Prize winner for crying out loud! ๐Ÿ™Œ We need to find a way to balance security with empathy and understanding. This isn't an issue of immigrants coming into our country, it's about a global situation where people are fleeing persecution and need help ๐ŸŒŽ. Let's get our act together and support these mayors in pushing for change ๐Ÿ’ช
 
I'm worried about all these ICE deportations ๐Ÿค•. My cousin's wife is a refugee from war-torn Syria, she came here with her kids and now they're living in hiding because of this fear ๐Ÿ˜ฑ. I think we need to rethink our policies and find a way to protect people without kicking them out in the middle of nowhere โ˜๏ธ. It's not fair that they have to live like that just to survive ๐Ÿ’”. We should be welcoming people with open arms, not making them feel like they're living on borrowed time โฐ.
 
can't believe how messed up our system is ๐Ÿคฏ we're talking about people fleeing persecution and violence just to be locked up and sent back out into the world... it's like we're more concerned with looking tough than actually helping people in need ๐Ÿšซ meanwhile, our cities are drowning in homelessness and affordable housing is a myth ๐Ÿ  what's the solution? more funding for ICE or a basic human right to seek safety? ๐Ÿค” this is not just about immigration, it's about us as a society showing compassion and empathy... we can do better than this ๐Ÿ˜•
 
๐Ÿค” This whole immigration thing is a total mess, you know? I mean, it's not just about politics, it's about people lives. These asylum seekers and migrant families are already in a super vulnerable spot, and then they get targeted by ICE? It's like, what even is the point of all this enforcement if we're not gonna actually help them? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ

And don't even get me started on the mayors speaking out. They're like, "Hey, we've got a problem here, can someone please do something about it?" But at the same time, I feel like they're also kinda enabling ICE by not being more proactive in addressing the issue themselves. Like, can't they just be like, "Hey, we're gonna make sure our cities are welcoming to all people, regardless of their status"? It's not that hard.

Anyway, Machado is right though - this isn't just about immigration; it's about human rights and global politics. We need to be supporting these people who are fleeing persecution and violence. And yeah, I get why the mayors are frustrated, but we need a more comprehensive solution than just "we'll take care of you, but only if you're not from here". ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ
 
๐Ÿ˜• I feel so bad for the ppl who r struggling 2 b here in US without papers ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ. The thought of being taken away frm ur kids is terrifying ๐Ÿ’”. We gotta have a better system in place 4 these ppl, somethin that prioritizes their safety & wellbeing ๐ŸŒŸ. It's not just about immigrants comin 2 the country, it's about the human beings behind the headlines โค๏ธ. We need 2 listen 2 the voices of local communities like Machado & mayors from major cities who r speakin out against ICE ๐Ÿ’ช. Maybe if we can find a way 2 balance security w/ compassion, we can start 2 build a more inclusive society ๐ŸŒˆ.
 
ICE is like the ultimate buzzkill ๐Ÿ™„. I mean, can't we just welcome people with open arms instead of treating them like they're some kind of fugitive? It's not like we don't have enough problems with homelessness and mental health already. And what really gets me is that these mayors are speaking out against ICE because it's affecting their cities, but I'm sure they wouldn't be having this conversation if someone in their neighborhood was being profiled just because of their accent ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ.
 
๐Ÿ˜’ ICE is just another word for profiting from fear, and our country's obsession with it is crazy ๐Ÿคฏ. I mean, have you seen the stats on how many people are getting deported every year? It's like we're creating a population control problem ๐Ÿšซ. And don't even get me started on the families being torn apart at the border - it's like we're playing some twisted game of emotional whack-a-mole ๐ŸŽฎ.

We need to rethink our approach to immigration and start seeing people as human beings, not just statistics or news headlines ๐Ÿ“ฐ. We can have a secure border without sacrificing compassion and empathy ๐Ÿค. It's time for us to stop being the world's worst neighbors ๐Ÿ‘Ž and start being the world's best allies ๐Ÿ’–.
 
๐Ÿคฏ I'm so worried about the impact ICE policies are having on our country's communities! It feels like we're pitting people against each other with laws that are only fueling a culture of fear. ๐ŸŒช๏ธ As someone who's passionate about mindfulness and wellness, I think it's essential to approach this issue with compassion and empathy.

We need leaders who understand the human impact of their decisions, not just the politics. ๐Ÿ’• It's heartbreaking to see families torn apart, and communities struggling to cope with the strain on local resources. ๐Ÿค We can't just talk about security without considering the well-being of those affected by these policies.

I wish our leaders would take a step back, listen to the voices of people like Maria Corina Machado, and work towards solutions that balance tough action with compassion and understanding. ๐Ÿ™ We need more inclusive approaches that prioritize human rights and dignity over politics. ๐Ÿ’–
 
๐Ÿค” I'm so done with this whole immigration debate. Like, can't we just figure out a way to make everyone feel safe and welcome? ๐ŸŒŽ It's not like it's rocket science, right? We need to stop pitting people against each other and start working together as a country. The fact that some cities are having to deal with the consequences of ICE's actions is just heartbreaking. ๐Ÿค• Homelessness, strain on local resources... it's all so avoidable if we just had a more compassionate approach.

And can we please talk about the human cost of these policies? ๐Ÿ’” Asylum seekers and migrant families being torn apart from their kids? It's just not right. We need to start treating people with dignity and respect, regardless of where they're from or what their status is.

I'm so tired of hearing politicians say that they're "tough on immigration" but clearly, it's not working. ๐Ÿ™„ The only way we're going to see real change is if we start listening to the voices of people like Maria Corina Machado and our city mayors, who are fighting for a more inclusive approach to immigration enforcement.

It's time for us to step up and demand better from our leaders. We need policies that prioritize compassion over fear, and understanding over exclusion. ๐Ÿ’– Only then can we start building a country where everyone feels welcome and valued. ๐ŸŒˆ
 
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