Republican Urges Immigration Reform, Says Mass Deportation 'Not Realistic' [View all]

Source: Newsweek

Published Feb 08, 2026 at 03:49 PM EST updated Feb 08, 2026 at 03:50 PM EST


Representative Mike Lawler, a New York Republican, has urged lawmakers on Sunday to find a bipartisan path towards immigration reform, saying that trying to deport all undocumented people in the country is "not realistic."

“We have over 25 million people in this country who are undocumented," Lawler said during an appearance on ABC News' This Week. "You're not rounding them all up and kicking them out. It’s not realistic.” Newsweek reached out to the White House by email outside of normal business hours on Sunday for comment.

Why It Matters

President Donald Trump campaigned on mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, specifically targeting those with violent criminal records. His administration ramped up immigration enforcement since his return to office last January.

However, his immigration policy has come under increasing scrutiny after tensions in Minneapolis exploded last month following the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both Americans, by federal agents.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/republican-urges-immigration-reform-says-mass-deportation-not-realistic-11485957