Jim Justice walks back criticism of Trump’s ICE operations

Published September 30, 2026 3:47pm ET



Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) backpedaled criticism Wednesday that the Trump administration’s deportation agenda was hurting rural communities amid warnings from the cattle industry about hits to the agriculture labor force.

Justice, who previously suggested the administration should “adjust” its immigration-enforcement strategy, said he “full stop” supports President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts and accused the media of “twisting my words to score political points.” But he also specified officials should “focus on criminals who are here illegally and putting Americans in danger,” echoing calls from some other Republicans to concentrate on those with criminal records beyond illegally entering the country.

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