Flick International A stark landscape view of the Fort Bliss military base during sunset, featuring a barbed wire fence and the new immigrant detention facility.

Trump Administration Criticizes ACLU’s Comparison of ICE Center to WWII Japanese Internment Camps

Trump Administration Defends Fort Bliss Detention Center Against ACLU’s Criticism

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) recently drew parallels between the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II and the Trump administration’s decision to establish a significant immigration detention center at Fort Bliss in Texas. The new facility is set to open its doors this Monday, prompting strong reactions from government officials.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, a senior official from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed disbelief over the ACLU’s comments, questioning why the organization prioritizes illegal immigration issues over the rights of U.S. citizens. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the comparison, characterizing it as both “deranged and lazy.”

DHS Official Highlights ICE’s Role

McLaughlin underscored the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in targeting serious criminal activity, noting that 70% of its arrests involve individuals with prior convictions or pending charges in the United States. She also pointed out that the figures do not account for potential terrorist threats, gang affiliations, or individuals flagged by INTERPOL.

ACLU’s Statement on Immigration Policy

Just prior to the opening of Fort Bliss’ new center, the ACLU’s regional affiliates released a joint statement detailing their opposition to the facility’s establishment. They described it as