Leavitt slams ‘gated community’ critics while defending ICE mission

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt signaled strong confidence on Tuesday, February 3, that the federal government would reopen as Republicans rally behind Donald Trump’s funding strategy.

Speaking during a briefing, Leavitt said the President’s focus remains on keeping government operations running while advancing priorities tied to border enforcement and election security. She framed the funding push as part of the administration’s broader effort to maintain stability while delivering on campaign commitments.

No concessions on enforcing immigration laws

Leavitt adopted a firm tone regarding negotiations over the Department of Homeland Security, stating the administration would not “concede” on immigration enforcement. She said the President was elected with a mandate to prioritize the removal of “illegal alien criminals.”

“We're willing, obviously, to have this dialogue and to talk and to listen,” Leavitt told reporters, “but we are not going to concede in enforcing our nation's immigration laws.”

She described ongoing enforcement operations as routine execution of federal law and said the White House intends to continue supporting ICE and Border Patrol efforts. Democratic lawmakers have pushed for additional “guardrails,” including limits on masked operations and changes to arrest procedures, amid disputes over recent actions.

Leavitt slams ‘ironic’ celebrity security critics

Leavitt also addressed criticism from celebrities and public figures who have spoken out against ICE tactics. She called the backlash “frankly, sad,” arguing that many of the loudest critics live with private security protections.

“You didn't hear this same type of uproar from celebrities in Hollywood when the previous Administration allowed an invasion of our nation's borders,” she said.

Leavitt pointed to victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, naming Jocelyn Nungaray and Laken Riley, and said their cases underscore the administration’s enforcement approach.

She argued that public debate should also focus on those victims rather than solely on federal tactics.

Voter ID labeled common sense policy

Turning to election policy, Leavitt confirmed that Trump continues to back the SAVE Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. She said the President believes past elections showed “fraud and irregularities” that justify stricter safeguards.

“Voter ID is a highly popular and common sense policy that the president wants to pursue,” Leavitt said.

Although House leaders set the measure aside to move a “clean” funding bill, she indicated it remains part of the administration’s longer-term legislative agenda. The White House maintains that the proposal addresses voter confidence and election integrity.

Optimism for unified Republican funding vote

Despite the GOP’s narrow House margin, Leavitt expressed confidence that Republicans would remain unified for both the procedural vote and final passage of the funding package. She said the President expects lawmakers to move quickly to prevent further disruption.

“The President wants our country to win. He wants the government to remain open — and that is going to happen,” she said.

Her comments came as House leaders worked through final steps to send the legislation to the President’s desk. With DHS funded only through a short-term extension, negotiations over immigration enforcement are expected to return to the forefront in mid-February.

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