Tricia McLaughlin, the top spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is set to leave her position next week, a decision that two U.S. officials disclosed to CBS News. McLaughlin has been a prominent figure advocating for President Trump’s immigration policies, particularly his aggressive deportation campaign.
Sources reveal that her departure had been anticipated since December, although she opted to delay it following recent tragic events involving federal immigration officers in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Politico was the first to report on McLaughlin’s upcoming exit.
DHS is responsible for managing key federal agencies involved in enforcing Trump’s deportation initiatives, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). McLaughlin has emerged as a highly visible defender of these policies, frequently appearing on networks like Fox News and actively using social media platforms to counter criticisms of the administration’s stance on illegal immigration.
Her resignation occurs amid growing political pressure against the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement tactics. This backlash has intensified recently, particularly in light of the public outcry following the deployment of federal immigration agents to Minnesota, where the fatal shootings occurred. In response to the rising tensions, White House border czar Tom Homan announced that the large-scale deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis would come to an end.
Public sentiment about immigration enforcement appears to be shifting, with a CBS News poll revealing a decline in support for Trump’s deportation efforts. The survey indicated that support dropped to 46%, down from 59% at the beginning of his administration, with 61% of respondents feeling that immigration agents are being “too tough.”
As the Trump administration navigates these challenges, McLaughlin’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in its approach to immigration policy and communication. The evolving public opinion and the administration’s responses highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.