In a revealing segment on CNN’s Inside Politics, Senator-elect Jim Banks (R-IN) shared his vision for addressing illegal immigration and border security, indicating a firm commitment by the GOP to push for mass deportations and robust border policies.
Banks, currently a U.S. congressman, will move to the Senate in January and expects a strong alignment with former President Donald Trump, should he assume office, to implement immediate executive actions aimed at securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
During the interview, CNN host Dana Bash questioned Banks about his campaign priorities, particularly regarding immigration.
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She asked, “One of the top issues in your campaign was immigration and the border. What is the first thing that you want the president-elect to do?”
Banks confidently responded, predicting swift action from Trump: “I have no doubt Donald Trump is going to be inaugurated on January 20. He’s going to hop in a car, drive down Pennsylvania Avenue, swing the door open of the Oval Office, and he’s going to immediately sign executive orders to go back to the effective Trump policies like Remain in Mexico, allow us again to build the wall at the southern border, and then end catch-and-release. And that’s the perfect Trump formula to begin the process to secure the border.”
Banks also stressed that this time around, Trump would have substantial support from Congress, which he claims would provide the necessary funding to continue constructing the southern border wall and bolster resources for border patrol.
He highlighted that the GOP-controlled Congress would be a critical asset in the implementation of these measures.
The conversation took a more pointed turn when Bash inquired about a comment Banks made to the Indy Star, in which he outlined a potential mass deportation process targeting the estimated 15 million illegal aliens in the United States.
Bash asked, “Do you see all undocumented immigrants as sort of–should they all be kicked out of the country?”
Banks, referencing conservative estimates, claimed that “at least 15 million illegals” have entered the country under the Biden administration and expressed a clear stance on the matter.
He replied, “It’s my hope that we deport every single one of them that we can, and it starts with deporting violent criminals who are in the United States, who came here illegally, who have committed violent crimes.”
Banks further emphasized that the GOP’s strategy includes not only deportations but also increased penalties for employers who hire illegal aliens.
He suggested that enforcing stricter employment laws would create a deterrent effect, encouraging self-deportations among those unable to find work.
According to Banks, a GOP majority in Congress will make it possible to secure funding for both the deportation initiatives and employment law enforcement.
When pressed by Bash about possible exceptions for illegal immigrants based on factors like age or marriage status, Banks was unwavering. “The American people spoke loud and clear on Tuesday. They gave this President and Republicans a mandate to do everything that we can,” he said.
“The goal should be to deport every illegal in this country that we can find.”
Bash then questioned how Banks envisioned this process unfolding in states like Indiana.
Banks responded, “I don’t think this is that complicated,” and noted the readiness of local authorities. “I spoke with a local sheriff in Indiana earlier today, who’s ready–local law enforcement is ready to go, to do what it takes to help with the mass deportation effort,” he said.
Banks reiterated that by enforcing employment restrictions, many illegal aliens would likely choose to leave the U.S. voluntarily due to a lack of job opportunities.
His comments signal a firm commitment from both himself and his party to take immediate, decisive action on immigration once the new Congress is seated.
This interview highlights the GOP’s position on immigration as it heads into the next term, with Banks pledging to fulfill campaign promises to voters by addressing illegal immigration through aggressive policies and legislative support.
The segment highlighted both Banks’ and the GOP’s belief that they have a clear mandate from the American electorate to tackle immigration issues head-on, beginning in early 2025.
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