Minneapolis: A former senior US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official has criticized the Trump administration’s controversial crackdown on the migrant population, stating that the strategy is ineffective for communities, the economy, and national security.

According to Anadolu Agency, Jason Houser, who served as ICE chief of staff under former President Joe Biden, expressed his concerns during an interview with MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace. Houser highlighted the ongoing demonstrations against ICE’s enforcement actions in Minnesota and across the country. Lawyers representing detainees have accused the Department of Homeland Security of obstructing individuals’ access to legal representation.

A CBS News/YouGov poll showed that 52% of Americans believe ICE is making communities less safe, suggesting a shift in public sentiment. Houser noted that Americans are beginning to perceive this issue, as reflected in the polling data. He also mentioned conversations with state and local law enforcement officials and former ICE colleagues, none of whom support the administration’s approach to managing the agency.

Houser acknowledged systemic failures across multiple administrations but criticized the Trump administration’s political tactics, quota-arrest targets, and aggressive enforcement actions in U.S. cities. He stated that these measures have increased fear among asylum seekers and shifted ICE’s focus away from traditional priorities, such as combating drug and human trafficking.

Critics argue that the ICE raids ordered by Trump do not target the criminals and gang members he promised to address, but instead affect law-abiding migrants who have been in the US for extended periods.