Transcript for The Briefing Room: WH press secretary takes questions on immigration

Many by now have heard that I was asked to leave the restaurant this weekend right to to to have dinner with my family. Husband have quietly left and went out. I was asked to leave because I worked for president trop. We're allowed to grist disagree but we should be able to do so freely and without fear of harm. And this goes for all people regardless politics. Summit chosen to push teton vandalism against the restaurant that I was asked to leave for a a Hollywood actor publicly encourage people to kidnap my children. And this weekend a member of congress called for people to push back. And make clear to those serving their country in this administration. That they are out welcome anywhere any time for anything. Healthy debate on ideas and political philosophy is important. But that calls for harassment push for in each from supporter to avoid the public is unacceptable. America is a great country and our ability to find solutions despite those disagreements is what makes us unique. That is exactly what president trump has done for all Americans. Building a booming economy. With record low unemployment for African Americans. And Hispanics the defeat devices and I'm going work to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula. Earlier today the president spoke with the new president of Columbia and congratulated him on his recent elect moral victory. President trump noted the strong partnership between our two countries. And discuss the senior security challenges the new Colombian government will face as if as he enters office. We're also working set up a call between the president and the president of Turkey to reaffirm our strong bond. We encourage Turkey to take steps to strengthen its democracy and continue progress toward resolving issues in the bilateral relationship. Lastly and on a slightly nighter lighter and more positive note it should be an exciting national championship at the college World Series. Since the Arkansas Razorbacks will be playing and take on Oregon State starting tonight and. Omaha. So go hogs and with that I'll take your questions. We over the weekend where he said that it would also order at this week back no court cases you know judges. Does the president uses undocumented immigrants have new crosses race whatsoever. Virtually all Americans agree that it makes no sense that an illegal aliens that's one foot on American soil. In and they would go through three to five year judicial process to be removed from the country. Thousands of illegal aliens are removed every month without seen. An immigration judge as a result of procedures in current law including voluntary removal and it expedited removal. Just because you don't see a judge doesn't mean you are receiving due process the president is focused on securing our borders and reforming our immigration system. To prevent the crisis at the border from getting worse thing that is no court case some. No opportunity to claim asylum no occupancy her father is over for. No like I just said just because you don't see a judge doesn't mean. You are receiving due process also the president would like to see us stop people from illegally entering the country. At all we'd like to have secure borders the Democrats are the ones that want open borders. The president would like us to secure the worst and have a very legal. An easy immigration process so people can come here the right way not the wrong. John. In addition we're child testing per acre under current law. And you spoke to this contiguous countries to the United States and Mexico Canada people can be. Remove that an expedited basis they can basically just be taken to the nearest border crossing and sent back does the president want to. If you meant that type of policy. For people from non contiguous countries. The president would certainly like to see. More expedited rule but ultimately the president would like to see our borders secured so that we don't have. All of these problems to begin what the president wants to fix our immigration system. Completely not just eagerly that he actually wants us to have a system that works being wants to have a secure border he doesn't believe in the philosophy that Democrats do that we should have open borders. He wants to stop that he wants to stop the crime that comes into this country. And that's what we're hoping to do it like to see congress step up and work with us wait. The president also said the Oval Office. People are proposed adding 5000. Judges. Who's proposed at 5000. It's 750 isn't meant. There have been a number of different proposals. Clutch hit few that we've seen we've laid out what we would like to see and hopefully congress will work with us to make that happen. Like and even ask you about a couple statements. On trade what does the president's reaction. Q the Harley-Davidson announcement today does he still feel that terrorists are awaiting sale. The president's trade and economic policies have been a huge benefits the American economy. And this includes the creation of upper 300000. Manufacturing jobs. Unemployment is at a three point 8% the lowest since 2000 manufacturing confidence is at historic highs. The European Union is attempting to punish US workers were unfair and discriminatory trade policies. The president trample continue to push for free fair and reciprocal trade and hopes that that you will join us. On the story about Chinese investments. Curtailing possible Chinese tech investments. The Treasury Secretary Steven patients. Five hours ago that statement would be forthcoming and we still don't have it. When might that be coming on what exactly is the administration's stance on this. Again as the secretary said a statement would go out that targets all countries. They're trying to steal our technology we expect that's be out soon. It because this job. Plus they're back on immigration. In terms of what president. Visions. Are on the immigration policy if he'd like to see put in place. Should asylum seekers. Be able to get their case heard before and it. Certainly there is a process in order to go through there are. Point points of entry that. Asylum seekers should go to we encourage them. To work through the system and not come across the border illegally. In fact anyone that goes to reported injury Seeking Asylum will not be prosecuted. And we would encourage people to use the correct system and not try to break the law. Street untraded and following up 10 wait that's done Harley-Davidson they announced an SEC filings moving a significant. Amount of their operations in Europe because. The EU terrorists that replaced. Harley-Davidson. Motorcycles is this what the president in addition work well with the impact would be. Lazy parents even retaliation that you use. Again the European Union is trying to punish US workers because they've engaged. Repeatedly an unfair trade practices and the president. Is sane enough is enough we like to work with the EU to work on a level playing field. Sorry Steve it. The president today in the Oval Office that he actually came out to organize action. Some progress in the Middle East peace process but he did give us any specifics. There's been quite a bit of shuttle diplomacy going on the last few days and Middle East we've Jared Kushner in case three point Greenblatt. Do you have anything concrete. To tell us about any sort of positive movement works for all. Again we I think that the meetings that took place over the last week. When a senior advisor Jared Kushner and special represented at Jason Greenblatt. They met with the number of officials and principles and Saudi Arabia Jordan Egypt Israel and Carter last week. They discuss the situation in Gaza as well as the next stages of the peace effort. Reading continues conversations were committed. To the peace effort and more to keep working forward but those conversations are productive. That's where justices today that they're no longer going to be referring people who cross border without authorization criminal charges are traveling with. It's actually returned to you the Obama administration practice and industry. Court acted the president support that's OK so he regrets trying which word Europe. Replace. No the president certainly. Supports keeping families together when she is outlined several times over the last week. He's also called on congress actually fix the system they're the only ones that ultimately have the ability to change the law. The president's executive order is given a temporary. Solution to the problem but it's not permanent we beat congress. To step up we need Democrats to stop playing political games do their jobs work with this president. And let's fix the problem at the border. Yeah. Sure I was responding to a number of news stories I'd been reached out to buy over a dozen reporters and there are multiple news stories that had already been issued. It was considered news of the day so I responded in the way I would to any other news of the day story Jeff through. So just because you don't see a judge doesn't mean you don't get to process things when what you mean by that specifically. And how the president. Conditions that this will work while still maintaining but the constitution. Holds patent slipped. And first. Begin her other ways for removal there are thousands of illegal aliens that are emitted every month. That don't see judges. Sometimes essar voluntary removal and sometimes answer expedited removal. Again the president's ultimate goal. Would be that we have actually a secure border and people are coming into the country illegally but that we have a system that works and the people that come into the country comment through a legal system bill. Specifically this week to ensure that congress passes a bill. He spent all week in Nevada talking about all weekend he's been on Saturday talking about. Democrats want words trying to specifically. As you make phone calls to Republican members and in the house where there was. He tried to bring Democrats together what is he doing specifically to try and get law passed specifically within just a really. I the president met with a number of lawmakers last week talked with several over the weekend summit was lip. While he was traveling. Last week he made an open invitation to Democrat lawmakers that they were welcome to come to the White House. To discuss what they'd like to see because the president wants solutions we've yet to have any of them show up. Actually willing to have those conversations are actually willing to fix the problem. Instead they'd rather. Rant and rave about not allowing members of the trump administration to step foot in public the president wants to see solutions that's what we're focused on. It's congress' job to do that we've laid out very clearly that we want to be part of that what we'd like to see that. Clearly they aren't they haven't passed a law to fix the system and they haven't Republicans of laid out a number of proposals that they support the president's voiced his support for those. That's because no Democrat will get on board and actually support a solution. Republicans cannot pass these Republican bills but as the president. As the leader of the parties Jeffries are Republican bills these are bills that fix a broken system they may have a Republican sponsors but. At these should be bipartisan that shouldn't be complicated look house's already. Passed over 500 pieces of legislation that they can't get through the senate because Democrats refused to actually find solutions. We have fifty bills that passed just last week to address the openly crisis that passed in the house the senate still hasn't take them up. Hopefully they will if they do don't show that we actually can't come up with bipartisan solutions and that's what we'd like to see them do on immigration as well you know. Policy president sent last week after signing the second quarter and Heatley it's your comment. Important as it went back CEO did not actually get rid of the policy. And that's apparently the fact that CE. Is now saying it no longer referring her prosecution and eat donuts. Yes is it temporary solution this isn't the last congress allow us to step up they still have to do their job this will only last. A short amount a time because we're gonna run out of space. We're gonna run out of resources in order to act key people together and were asking congress to provide those resources and do their job and it. At some point appointment changed that I'll press changing a policy we're simply out of resources. And at some point congress has to do what they were elected to do and that is secure our border that is stop the crime coming into our country. I. Country has made extremely clear that they don't want open borders and Democrats seem to understand that and they need to work with Republicans and find some solutions and he's sorry Johnny. Very mentioned to you concerned that. This isn't about whether these are sorry for housing and together is there enough how thing right now is constantly. Again were looking at every option available we have asked the Pentagon to. Help with additional space. But a lot of that will depend and our ability to stop people coming into the country illegally. And we again encourage people to go through what ports of entry instead of crossing the border illegally. We've requested. Three legislation were working with congress hopefully to provide more resources. The ability to actually. Enforce the law. Race if. On the scene. I'm down exactly what. You say that there are instances where you don't. Captain. But my understanding that it. And two aspirin island in the past certain right so is there will be changed its policy or what it. Doghouse. I hate yeah. Addresses a couple times there are multiple instances where you wouldn't voluntary removal certain cases an expedited removal if somebody com. Those cases in that process will be hurt but at the same time the president's ultimate goal is to secure the border and stop illegal immigration. So what does. I'm just saying the president laid out what he'd like to see we've put out. That things that we want to see in an immigration package. And months ago were still waiting on congress to give us the ability to did. Accidentally changed the administration is asking me now. Giving her walking around making up walls no because we're not the Obama administration. Were actually trying to enforce the laws that are on the books. We're actually asking congress to do their part in the process and pass new legislation that will fix our immigration system. About judges is innovation how these judges and he will come over she didn't put out but nothing. Actually going to change teases saying you just don't clean up front passes things. Outing things that. We have the ability to do administratively we are working to do. But again congress is the only one that has the ability to write Longley hopefuls state. When I can't understand what it is the president understands current policy is as you explain expedited removal. Allows the government to remove hundreds of thousands. Illegal immigrants a year without seeing his. Did the president. Yes there are still thousands. That go through a very lengthy process we'd like to see a process consolidate we'd like to see the backlog stop. We'd like to see our border secured. And undercut the and Britain have been academics and policy you've sent it. It was much Seymour expedited removal does the president intend to expand its full two year minute under the current statute. Again we would like to see more expedited removal. But ultimately we could like dissing the border security people stop coming into the country lately it seems pretty simple to me it would stop a lot of the problems and would. Eliminate the need for so many of these additional laws that. They can call in about the importance of the weather. Center in civil home from Shepperd. I don't. We consider enforcing a law. The role that the administration has to play. Certainly the president has taken an executive action to the furthest that he has the ability to do. To minimize the separation of families are working hard to make sure families get to stay together and were calling on congress to help us in that effort. And we're continuing to focus on the reunification and making sure. That the families again stay together and that congress will give us a permanent solution to fix. It wasn't our administration created these laws but it is our administration's job to enforce it and we've done that someone breaks the law it's our job to enforce it. If somebody doesn't like the law an eighty to lobby congress and asked them to change it either. I've quiet immigration. There so I have to admit not every adult child be passed if there are things that are. Being held together team together somewhere. And when he gave espy what is gonna happen and I didn't get any answers lastly I don't understand the loss issue here. Eaten together with the children even with parents for longer than twenty days and then what happened. Hopefully congress will pass along fix the problem. We'll why should it be so hard they all say that they don't wanna separate families seems like it should be pretty simple to minute jaunt. Where he Vanessa Jack asks you questions about com. Congress and the bill were you when your response referring to do justice stand alone bill that deals with. The only separation or you were her into the bigger immigration bill that the house books they have this week our preference would. B hey bill that addresses. All the pillars that we've laid out that we like to see addressed. Immigration package. And that's what our focus is right now is there's a bill that does that on the table if that doesn't happen we'll talk about other pieces legislation at that point. Still obsess over them one said sir you know why he's shouldn't waste their time. Look Democrats against the senate have made clear they're not gonna support this. And because we need. At least some Democrats to get on board they've made it very clear that they don't want to work with the president that they don't wanna fix our immigration system that they'd rather have open borders and rampant crime. And work with the president to create solutions until they change their mind. We're gonna continue looking at the best ways that we can fix these problems but we need congress help. Let's start thank Sarah. This president is the first of the television age where is yet to address. The American public. On nationwide television from the Oval Office. Many Republican consultants have said he might have a stronger yen and influencing congress. He made it nationally televised address and immigration and what changes like three. Explain it is that something that's on the table. That's certainly not a taking anything off the table. Or any tool away from the president he does address the American people want a number at different being used in formats and I'll certainly pass along. That suggestion to night. Sit if it's not. Not waiting couldn't look he. Then proceed with the deal. Yesterday the White House hoping to it is appropriate committees. Events for the it. How are any continue meeting whereas the other. Partners in the region and again we're gonna continue pushing forward in the peace process we had productive meetings over the last week. Marina continue those conversations take. One last question say your answer. To follow on the third and eight issue of immigration why does the president so vote. An increase in the number immigration judges when he would expedite the asylum processing the asylum process and expedite deportation. We're not opposed to these speeding up the process what the president would like to see once again. Is that we stop the problem at the very beginning he'd like to see a secure the border and people works through the system through the ports of entry so that we're not dealing with things on the back in. We'd like to stop the problem before it starts. And that's what the president's focus has been all along is on securing the border and that's what we're gonna continue to give thanks so much guys had a great. Clipper three and number. Oh. Man and yeah. Either welcome to the briefing room on ABC news political director Rick Klein joined here by Ben Siegel Catherine folders from our White House team and we sauce are Sanders at the very top addressed the issue over the weekend of her. Being asked to leave the restaurant we're gonna get to that as wells the developments that that show some new levels in civility in politics but first. On the issue of immigration the president just a few days after that about face on on the Stanley separation policy. Digging in with a new argument in the last 24 hours or so now saying it's he wants to see prompt removals right at the border no judge. No court case nothing like that a clarification of sorts for the curious one guys that want to take on. In Sarasota saying that they're not deny anyone due process here but not really clear what he's talking about is that we have this is a real propose. Exactly and that the president's assertion chairman handset is likely an unconstitutional. One the way that if she's defending. These tweets and these statements in this. I'm by involuntary removal an expedited government bats eat dinner she's peppered with questions today about what he meant and that got. With house she defended it so a little bit of an answer there but still. Not entirely sure what he's talking about and then the other the other issue here really is. It gives children is an Arab 2000 children that are still the separated them from their parents they're Sanders said that they're working on the reunification process but. We're still no acknowledgment that the reason they're separated in the first place is because of this administration's policy she says that it wasn't the administration created these laws but it's. Our job to enforce them no indication or no. Used to sign housing at all that it's their policy that created. And they see their policy still unclear what's going on at the border we hear conflicting things from the department justice vs Department of Homeland Security but what's been happening now to say nothing of the 2000 kids already separated what's happening now the film is as they cross and I think the big thing for Republicans every Republican what there at the white house on Capitol Hill. You want congress to pass some legislation help clarify all this confusion and you have to wonder with president from statement over the weekend regarding due process. How does that really help Republicans moved the ball forward actually get a bill through the house and the senate that he could sign that will really help clarify this and and all these questions and legal on certain. It's hard to seal the president's involvement in this at the White House involvement this has been helpful to the cause and you've been tracking this on apple the last couple days. They've had to punt on this proposed bill on the compromise bill Paul Ryan negotiated bill. The president one point sound like he might veto it and he's saying pass it that easy don't worry about it they ignore it because we're gonna do better in the mid terms. I've got to think that the scratching their rivals help they try Capitol Hill trying to figure out what the president stands for an how it's helpful. Exactly because immigration Israel announced in the third rail for Republicans for very long time and it's almost like the president went up there alas we can just ports and gasoline have little thing. Did not help make this any easier for them he left them confused about what exactly he wants the seat and that in turn gives people a way or reasons to vote against the bill that many are struggling to to pass. And also what these conflicting statements coming from the White House and the confusion on cap makes you wonder. To that it in the us wants us to be a central issue in the Tony team in terms this is something he ran. Armstrong ion during his presidency that worked and I think he's using you know his rhetoric in these policies athletes who come to propel activate incident Emery gets. Animal because the president has another campaign rally tonight but in the meantime Jordan felt joining us over the White House because our Sanders did start out with something out of a personal statement. About her own dining experience over the weekend A us small restaurant. In Virginia asked her to leave she was out with some friends on Saturday night she was asked to leave she says she did so. She condemns. That that action and also anyone that's threatening any sort of violence and and and Jordan I'd I am struck by these certain ironies in this White House and in calling out on civil behavior. But does on a personal level house are Sanders has handled this it does seem to affect that her personally to be asked to move to her to leave like this. Yeah and we now that Sanders did leave that restaurant. Without causing much I cheek and uses incidents make a broader statement of course. Sanders is just the latest in history and administration officials whooping. Kind of publicly confront. Fronted of course never went remember secretary in the house and being confronted in a Mexican restaurant about places. Last week being chanted down. Had I protesters there. At that saying that she's lastly just because she supports its president in saying that at these sorts of incidents are are unacceptable. But as you point there's a lot of hypocrisy there because this administration. And officials have thing. Really fierce and had in their own attacks on others. And so you know Sam PR are biting back that this kind of I rings hollow coming from this administration. And Catherine you quickly what about as a mall they particularly with this White House and in the supporters just in the last few days after quarry going down ski. See what he did of apparently in response to a young woman with disability is ran from her family to have state posse. Macon and apparently a racist comment. Just yesterday. And then Mike Huckabee Sarah's dad tweeting tweeting apparent gang members are talking about that is Nancy policies. The argument for taking back the house. Is he. It is striking that again some of the things that set in the last couple days have gone bipartisan outrage Maxine Waters I think you'd chief among them. Her encouragement for our ordering harassment of anyone. Who's associated with the top White House and cabinet officials in public it's we see a lot of people saying that's not. A lot of people's hands and waiting and Ernie Anderson something that's touched emerged that they summing just on the floor while ago condemning this Nancy Pelosi came out with. In a statement as well Andy and former Obama advisor David outsold hunts weeded over the weekend he he said he was amazed. An apology by those applauding those on the left applauding so it when you say bipartisan sport for the site. I think that's true a lot on the left are condemning. Those on the left who have come out against us. And the history with president compass when he gets people to climb in the mud with him intense the way we own our Marco Rubio. Ted Cruz is why anyone it that there was able to be coaxed into that. He likes playing that way and and these kind of fights you can easily see this band feed the Republican argument that look it's a liberal sore. Intolerant and you know when don't give you need to get. They're already seeing sort down ballot effect on mr. having Corey Stewart. The Republican senate candidate in Virginia he started a petition to boycott this restaurant in his home state of the people are fundraising off of what Maxine Waters said. And it's pretty unfortunate because thing about where we were at this time last year. The couple weeks after house majority of states police was shot and a terrific baseball practice shooting. That was something wrong you know was prompted by someone who had political motivations and a list of members and and his hand was one of her people and that really brought members together. And in really had a ton of stability so it sort of unfortunate that wouldn't. Hardly a year out from that that the tone is changed so much. It barely left the date correctly that knew him back really fast meanwhile guys looks like we're in the middle of a trade war and and in troubles around tariffs are now evident. A very stark example out today the news from Harley-Davidson iconic motorcycle brand meat right here in America in Wisconsin be speaker reliance on state. Very tellingly. Sending word they're gonna start production in Europe because of these new tariffs that he's Harley's going to be considerably more expensive to buy it because of the tariffs we impose retribution from European friends and allies. This is how it starts or seen the markets down rather sharply. This afternoon as a result the statement Ron Johnson was not the senator and Republican ally of of the presidency basically I told your cell. A Catherine we heard from from Serra Sanders about the president's huge benefit to the economy. This doesn't this doesn't seem to be what he props. It's not when he promised and of course her response it's about who was in the EU's trying to punish American workers with. Unfair trade policies are Harley-Davidson was one of the first companies to visit the White House and in the president's or some protection. It isn't there are some great pictures back and and then in the trucks republics of my favorite returns but he thinks Charlie Davidson four the building is things and Americans are definitely. Big allow as a result of these retaliatory terror. And then you cover capitals a lot of data basis have you seen spit a significant push back from Republicans we know corker trying to get a tariff bill. On the floor we saw the statement from on Johnson when this starts to hurt individual. Members. Constituents back in their their own district sent a brand like Harley we see it hitting. Kentucky Bergen Mitch McConnell told state Terri. Very precisely as well. What how does that manifesting itself in is that is there it is there a point where members of congress to say we need to start asserted some control on this. I think you're starting to see those discussions happen but it's really not hasn't reached a critical mass where. You have that picking number of senators a key member house members list dampen talking about this yet it. It remains to be seen how long list goes on and if it does you know what the next what the next goods aren't how that impacts people but this is something that a lot of people of course nervous about reelection have. Thrives on minimum. Ali mission reelection is that certainly for a primary day tomorrow will be covering it right here at ABC news live tomorrow night Katherine your going to be. In Marilyn was a big governor's race seven states voting tomorrow in this the last big round of voting we're gonna happen about five or six weeks not until. The beginning of August. A lot of bold faced names this is an intriguing twist on the story line to be. Among those who were or running tomorrow Michael Grimm trying to make his comeback on Staten Island a Ben jealous though the former NAACP had. I Dylan Ratigan or MSNBC host running for house seat Kelsey Manning running for senate. In Maryland and Mitt Romney. Mitt Romney right in the in Utah seems a short of winning that nomination he's going to be intriguing presence the watch guys that lot of highs are going to be on it. A lot of eyes and a young men and you're calling entirely of everything the second acts in India politics here. A lot of my time on Mitt Romney I didn't know what kind of like how many that's kind of exactly the kind of guys and you definitely am when in this visible races but as we're talking about before. Perhaps one of the most nationally significant races will be. McMaster ligament primaries in south Carolina's new president from will be campaigning alongside. This evening just a couple of hours and then you're from New York City be some of these house races are really really intriguing you have. A whole bunch of challengers from the last two big figures in the Democratic Party including Joseph Crowley. Who's talked about as a potential house speaker democratic leader at one point and of course my friends that I'll. While it was interesting with the with the democratic races is that you hear I imagine lot of the arguments you heard on primary day in 2010 which is that. The incumbents there's a lot of energy. Among among the some of his primary -- the incumbents say where the where the progressive who can get things done. And remains to be seen if the voters. How they respond better if there is such energy on the left that are really. Released its lot of these people out of office it looks like everybody's gonna have a pretty safe night but you just never know especially with the sort of energy and the volatility. We have on on the left it's a volatile if all the time all around the extraordinary last couple of weeks and of course the anger that we're seeing happening out there right now begin will be on. Tomorrow night covering all of that that does it for this edition of the briefing room our thanks to Jordan helps prevent Siegel capital folders on recline. Catch us next time right here ABC news lives. Yeah.

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