Trump Walks Back Softer Immigration Remarks, Saying 'There Won't Be Amnesty'; DHS Chief Says Enforcement Approach Will Not Change

Monday, November 9, 2026 · White House · GSM News

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump walked back his softer remarks on immigration at an impromptu White House press conference on November 9, stating flatly that there would be no amnesty. Asked whether there would be amnesty, he said somebody had suggested it and the answer was no.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the same day that there would be no amnesty and that the administration's law enforcement approach is not going to change. He added that Trump had signaled a desire to work with Democrats on immigration reform, and that how to handle groups such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, including whether they might become legal permanent residents, would be up to Congress.

The reversal followed a backlash from conservatives. In the 60 Minutes interview aired on November 8, Trump acknowledged his deportations had been too tough and had cost Republicans in the midterm elections, and suggested getting the killers, rapists and drug dealers out while letting people who have been in the country for 10 or 15 years work out a deal. Allies pushed back publicly: the Heritage Foundation and the House Freedom Caucus both posted 'No amnesty' on social media, and Missouri Republican Rep. Bob Onder posted 'NO amnesty for illegal aliens' in response to the interview.

Trump also said in the interview that he would love to work with Democrats on immigration after they take control of both chambers of Congress in January. As of November 9, the White House had issued no formal document changing existing deportation enforcement rules.

(Source: CNN)

Source: CNN

Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)

Photo: 图：特朗普11月9日在白宫布雷迪简报室举行简报会（白宫官方视频截图）。 / Photo: President Trump holds a briefing in the White House Brady Briefing Room on November 9 (still from the official White House video).