Sen. Kamala Harris has sparked outrage and charges of “disgusting” partisanship when she likened the way some people perceive immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) wielding its power to how the KKK used “fear and force” to effect political change through terror.
“Are you aware that there’s a perception that ICE is administering its power in a way that is causing fear and intimidation, particularly among immigrants and specifically among immigrants coming from Mexico and Central America?” the former District Attorney asked Vitiello.
The acting ICE chief had earlier made statements describing the Democratic Party as “liberalcratic” or “NeoKlanist,” in an apparent reference to the Klan.
Vitiello apologized for the comparison, admitting his words were “offensive” and clarifying “I honestly didn’t mean it that way.”
Harris pressed Vitiello to expand on the offensive nature of his Ku Klux Klan remarks.
“Well, the Klan was what we would call today a domestic terrorist group,” Vitiello explained, “because they tried to use fear and force to change the political environment.”
“Right,” said Harris. “Are you aware of the perception of many about how the power and the discretion at ICE is being used to enforce the laws? And do you see any parallels?”
“I do not see any parallels between sworn officers and agents,” Vitiello responded.
“I do not see a parallel between what is constitutionally mandated as it relates to enforcing the law,” he said after a back and forth with the Senator.
“I see no perception that puts ICE in the same category as the KKK. Is that what you’re asking me?” Vitiello eventually said after the Senator repeatedly asked him to acknowledge similarities between perceptions of the KKK and the way some see ICE administering its power.
Harris’ comparison sparked outrage, with RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel blasting the California Senator for “disgusting” partisanship. “Kamala Harris is trying to launch her 2020 campaign off of comparing ICE officers to the KKK, and it’s absolutely disgusting,” she tweeted.
“What utter, complete & horrifying disrespect for our law enforcement officers,“ wrote GOP spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany. ”I get she’s auditioning for 2020, but come on...”
“Sir, how can you be the head of an agency and be unaware of how your agency is perceived by certain communities?” Harris demanded of the acting ICE chief.
“I do not see a parallel between the power and the authority that ICE has to do its job and the agents and officers who do it professionally and excellently with lots of compassion,” Vitiello said. “There’s a lot of perceptions in the media and in the public that are incorrect about the agency and what it does.”
Harris ended her questioning asking whether Vitiello can lead the agency if he’s not aware of the negative views toward it.
Vitiello responded by insisting that “all of the people that we encounter deserve fairness, dignity, and respect in encounters with our agents and officers.”
