Vice President JD Vance blames Biden-era policies for stalling deportation efforts while promising renewed enforcement under the Trump administration. Although there have been more arrests and deportations under the Trump administration, there are still difficulties in restoring enforcement capabilities. Instead of making mass arrests, the administration wants to promote voluntary departures for undocumented immigrants.
Biden Policies Blamed for Slowing Deportation Efforts
Vice President JD Vance addressed growing concerns about the pace of deportations during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, placing blame squarely on the previous administration’s policies. Speaking to reporters, Vance defended the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement record while acknowledging that results have not met some supporters’ expectations. The Vice President emphasized that rebuilding dismantled enforcement systems has proven more challenging than anticipated, requiring time and resources to restore effective operations.
“First of all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And we have seen pretty significant increases in deportations, apprehensions, and arrests, but we have to remember that President Biden gutted the entire immigration enforcement regime of this country. We are trying to rebuild so that we actually empower people to enforce the immigration laws of the American people.”
JD Vance torches Biden’s open border disaster:
Record migrant crime
Fentanyl deaths skyrocketing
Floods of illegals pouring in“The good news is…It turns out we didn’t need new laws, we didn’t need fancy legislation, we just needed a new president.”pic.twitter.com/eExgKjWjmu
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) March 5, 2025
Alternative Approach to Enforcement
Rather than focusing solely on mass arrests, Vance outlined a more nuanced approach to immigration enforcement. The administration plans to make it easier for illegal immigrants to return to their home countries voluntarily while still maintaining strict enforcement of immigration laws. This dual strategy aims to reduce the illegal immigration population without requiring the federal government to physically remove every undocumented individual, addressing practical constraints while still fulfilling campaign promises to enforce immigration laws.
“We don’t have to go around and arrest every person, but we will enforce the American people’s immigration laws.”
The Vice President emphasized that despite these challenges, the administration remains committed to reversing what they view as the permissive border policies implemented during President Biden’s term. Vance highlighted progress already made, including increased deportations and arrests, while stressing that rebuilding enforcement capabilities will continue throughout Trump’s term. He characterized the administration’s approach as aligned with common-sense priorities that most Americans support.
I asked @VP Vance what he thinks is the biggest obstacle for Trump’s mass deportations.
Vance: Rome wasn’t built in a day. We have seen a significant increase in deportations. Biden gutted immigration enforcement and we are trying to rebuild.pic.twitter.com/uPE3I8S9Mv
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) March 5, 2025
Financial Challenges of Enforcement
Among the obstacles facing the administration’s immigration enforcement plans, Vance identified cost as a particular concern. The expense of detaining, processing, and deporting millions of illegal immigrants presents significant budgetary challenges that the administration is working to address. These financial constraints have contributed to what some perceive as a slower-than-promised pace of deportations, though Vance maintained that the administration is making the most effective use of available resources.
“It’s common sense; it’s what the American people want us to do.”
The Vice President’s border visit underscores the administration’s continued focus on immigration as a central policy priority. While acknowledging the challenges of ramping up enforcement after what they characterize as years of neglect, administration officials remain optimistic about their ability to make meaningful progress. Vance’s comments reflect a strategic adjustment to campaign rhetoric while still maintaining the core promise of stricter immigration enforcement and border security measures that resonated with the administration’s base of supporters.