Bernie Sanders Backs Trump’s Border Security Efforts, Criticizes Mass Deportation Plan

Sanders Admits Illegal Immigration is a Problem but Warns Deportation Could “Destroy” America

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders made a surprising concession during an interview on ABC’s This Week, acknowledging that President Donald Trump’s border security policies—including cracking down on fentanyl and strengthening the border—are necessary for the country.

During the exchange, host Jonathan Karl asked Sanders if he agreed with anything Trump has done.

“I think cracking down on fentanyl, making sure our borders are stronger,” Sanders responded.

“Look, nobody thinks illegal immigration is appropriate, and I happen to think we need comprehensive immigration reform, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for people to be coming across the border illegally.”

Sanders’ admission is a stark contrast to the Democratic establishment’s stance, which has largely been critical of Trump’s strict immigration enforcement policies. However, while Sanders supports border security, he strongly opposes Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan, arguing that it could cripple the U.S. economy.

“He wants to deport 20 million people who are in this country who are undocumented,” Sanders said. “Well, you do that, you destroy the entire country.”

The Senator then took aim at Trump’s billionaire allies, claiming they rely on undocumented workers.

“Because I got news for you, Trump’s billionaire friends are not going to pick the crops in California that feed us,” Sanders stated.

“They’re not going to work in meatpacking houses. That’s what undocumented people are doing.”

His remarks highlight an ongoing debate over the role of illegal immigrants in the U.S. economy, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and manual labor sectors.

Sanders Gets Frustrated When Asked About His Political Future

As the interview shifted toward his own political future, Sanders became noticeably irritated.

“Right now I’m Vermont’s senator,” he said. “That’s what I do.”

“And I’m very happy to do it. I am 83 years of age. And I’m tired.”

His abrupt response raises questions about whether he intends to seek re-election in 2028 or whether he might retire from politics altogether.

Sanders Joins AOC in Nationwide “Fight Oligarchy” Tour

Despite his exhaustion, Sanders is currently embarking on the “Fight Oligarchy” tour alongside fellow socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). The tour aims to rally left-wing voters against billionaire influence, particularly focusing on the federal budget cuts being implemented by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

“Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll be hitting the road to have real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country,” the tour’s website states.

Sanders and AOC are hoping to energize the progressive base, which has been disenchanted with the Democratic Party’s current leadership.

However, the tour has already faced criticism for its outdated COVID-19 precautions. Last week, Sanders’ team sent out an email advising attendees to wear masks and stay home if they feel sick, despite the pandemic having officially ended several years ago.

Final Thoughts: A Shift in Democratic Thinking?

Sanders’ partial endorsement of Trump’s border security measures signals a potential shift in Democratic rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

His opposition to mass deportations aligns with traditional Democratic talking points, but his acknowledgment that illegal immigration is a problem suggests that even left-wing lawmakers recognize the need for tighter enforcement.

💬 Do you think Sanders is genuinely concerned about illegal immigration, or is this just political posturing?