A heated exchange unfolded on CNN as political commentator Scott Jennings and analyst Van Jones debated President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and their effect on public opinion.
The discussion centered on recent comments from President Trump and new polling data showing voter sentiment on immigration enforcement.
During the debate, Jones argued that President Trump’s recent statement that Immigration and Customs Enforcement “haven’t gone far enough” in deporting illegal immigrants could pose a political problem for the administration.
60 minutes tries baiting Trump and getting him to condemn ICE and say they’ve gone too far but Trump had the perfect response:
“I think they [ICE] HAVEN’T GONE FAR ENOUGH.. you have to get the people out… Many of them are m*rderers.. criminals.”
BOOM
WE STAND WITH ICE pic.twitter.com/kQwCEKkOt4
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 2, 2025
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Jones suggested that the president’s tough stance on immigration might alienate some Republican voters.
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Jennings pushed back strongly, citing new polling data.
“I think in a CBS survey that came out today, he had a 52 percent to 48 percent on immigration enforcement, so he was still right side up on that issue in at least that one survey,” Jennings said.
“I do think it’s a polarizing issue, but a lot of people realize we weren’t enforcing federal immigration law. Now we are, and there’s a heavy debate going on. But I don’t know who voted for Donald Trump, who is all that unhappy that he’s essentially doing what he said he was going to do. Which is simply just enforce the law.”
Jennings went on to note that the administration had not implemented any new legislation to achieve those results.
“We haven’t passed any new laws. He’s just enforcing ones that are already on the books,” he said.
After President Trump said ICE “haven’t gone far enough” with deportations, Van Jones tried to spin it as a political liability…claiming immigration is starting to hurt Trump, even among his base.
But @ScottJenningsKY wasn’t having it.
He came armed with the numbers and… pic.twitter.com/zlt1x9Fp7V
— Overton (@overton_news) November 2, 2025
According to the CBS News survey referenced by Jennings, 52 percent of voters approve of the president’s handling of immigration enforcement, compared to 48 percent who disapprove.
The data suggests that despite political division over immigration policy, a majority of voters support the administration’s approach to enforcing existing laws.
The exchange highlighted the broader political divide surrounding immigration.
Jones maintained that President Trump’s rhetoric could harm his image among moderate voters.
Jennings, however, countered that the president’s policies were consistent with his campaign promises and reflected the will of voters who wanted stronger border enforcement.
Receipts: https://t.co/6Yoj2Rfyci https://t.co/R9z7NaD98i
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) November 3, 2025
While Democrats have pushed for more leniency in enforcement and greater pathways to citizenship, President Trump has prioritized strict adherence to immigration law and increased deportations of illegal aliens.
The CBS poll cited by Jennings appeared to bolster the administration’s argument that enforcing existing laws remains popular with much of the public, even as critics argue that the policies are too aggressive.
CBS News Poll – Trump’s Admin.’s program to deport immigrants illegally in US
Approve: 52% (+4)
Disapprove: 48%Was net -4 last month vs +4 now
——
• White: 59-41 (+18)
• Black: 29-71 (-42)
• Hispanic: 47-53 (-6)
—
• Male: 59-41 (+18)
• Female: 45-55 (-10)
—
• Ages… pic.twitter.com/XV0g02NT9Y— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) November 2, 2025
Jennings emphasized that enforcement, not legislative overhaul, has been at the center of the administration’s approach.
“He’s essentially doing what he said he was going to do,” he told Jones, pointing to the president’s consistent message on border control since his first campaign.
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