Speaking from the White House Monday afternoon, President Trump honored the men and women working for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"We’re here today to salute the incredibly brave patriots who keep America safe, the heroes of ICE and Border Patrol. To everyone here today from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection, I want to you let you know that we love you, we support you, we will always have your back, and I think you know that," Trump said. "Everyone here today understands a vital truth: that America is a land of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. For America to be a strong nation, we must have strong borders."
.@realDonaldTrump: “My pledge to each and every one of you is that my Administration will not rest until you have the resources, the tools, and the authorities you need to do your job and do it properly and do it strong.” pic.twitter.com/EDMmxB5b7X
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 20, 2018
“You are the patriots and you are the heroes. You are the fighters and you are the warriors for justice. You are great people. You keep us safe, you keep us free, and you make us very proud… I am honored every single day to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.” — President Trump pic.twitter.com/HV17hsk9Ss
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 20, 2018
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 20, 2018
During the event, the White House sent out a series of tweets detailing the work federal immigration agents do to keep America safe.
Laws only matter if they are enforced. Without @ICEgov, anyone who illegally enters our country or overstays their visa would be able to remain in the United States indefinitely without removal. Learn more: https://t.co/zfDnnESUwf pic.twitter.com/2BZCy32oqs
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 20, 2018
Anyone doubting the importance of @ICEgov and @CBP should look at these numbers. Our immigration law enforcement officers keep gang members, deadly drugs, and sexual violence out of our communities ?? https://t.co/zfDnnESUwf pic.twitter.com/ytATGqrgjQ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 20, 2018
Those calling to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should justify their position to the 518 human trafficking victims and 904 child exploitation victims rescued or identified by ICE during the 2017 fiscal year alone. https://t.co/zfDnnESUwf pic.twitter.com/CjdMc57vRc
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 20, 2018
ICE has come under fire in recent months by the left, with politicians calling for the abolishment of the federal law enforcement agency.