McCaul Calls for Prioritizing Detention of "Aggravated Felons" Among Illegal Immigrants

Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, stated on Sunday that the Trump administration should focus on detaining illegal immigrants who are considered "aggravated felons." He defended the government's efforts to bring "sanity" back to homeland security practices.

During an interview on "Face the Nation," CBS anchor Margaret Brennan presented a report from The Independent. The report indicated that nearly half of the detained migrants in the U.S. did not have a criminal record, and less than a third had been convicted of crimes. Brennan noted that these individuals were "not the worst of the worst."

McCaul, referencing his experience as a former federal prosecutor specializing in counterterrorism, emphasized the need for prioritization. He stated that he would prioritize detaining "aggravated felons" whom he claimed were released by current DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, in violation of federal law.

Brennan questioned whether McCaul preferred that Homeland Security prioritize these individuals over the current detention numbers. McCaul responded by suggesting that the high numbers were a result of the large influx of people under the Biden administration. He added that the administration was trying to bring order to the situation and that deterrence was key. He also claimed that the apprehension rate at the border had significantly decreased.

McCaul further asserted that the border was nearly secure, citing the end of "catch and release" policies with the return of Trump to power. The Trump administration has also responded to media reports that many arrested illegal immigrants this year have not been convicted or charged with a crime.