Outgoing ICE Director Urges Sooner Action on Border Crisis Amid Biden Administration Critique
Patrick Lechleitner criticizes Biden's delayed immigration policies, advocating for earlier executive actions to fortify border security.
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The administration should’ve taken that action earlier.
Outgoing ICE director: Biden should have tightened border security sooner
The Hill·4M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
President Biden should have begun cracking down on illegal border crossings much earlier in his administration, the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has acknowledged.
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Acting ICE Director Patrick "PJ" Lechleitner called out the administration for its delay in taking action on the border crisis, saying he wished the president would have implemented executive actions earlier as the migrant surge spun out of control.
Retiring ICE chief says Biden should have acted 'earlier' to address migrant surge
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Lechleitner’s criticism largely revolved around the slow pace at which Biden finally decided to use an executive order in 2024 to help tighten the U.S.-Mexico border.
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Lechleitner criticized Biden who did not cite acting sooner to impose restrictions at the border as a regret in the final weeks of his administration. "It’s unfortunate because I think we could have done more," he added.
Outgoing Ice director criticizes Biden for not acting sooner to tighten border
The Guardian·4M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.It's unfortunate because I think we could have done more.”
Departing ICE Director: Biden Too Late on Border
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Summary
In an interview, outgoing ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner criticized the Biden administration for delaying necessary actions to tighten border security against rising migrant crossings. He suggests that the Department of Homeland Security's career professionals would have preferred quicker measures to counter the crisis, which saw record levels of illegal crossings. Lechleitner highlights the strain on ICE's core missions due to resource reallocations to Customs and Border Protection, indicating that more resources would have allowed for stronger enforcement actions. As he prepares to leave office ahead of the Trump administration, he calls for increased support for ICE operations.
Perspectives
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