Kamala Harris does not support 'DACA for the wall,' but is 'all for increased border security'

(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 27, 2019 California Senator Kamala Harris speaks during a rally launching her presidential campaign in Oakland, California. - US Senator Kamala Harris faces questions from American voters January 28, 2019 as an official White House candidate, a day after formally declaring her 2020 bid to become America's first black female president.By launching her campaign early -- a year before any primary votes are cast -- the California Democrat leapfrogs several party luminaries waiting in the wings, and a few who have already entered the race, to become the de facto frontrunner in a burgeoning field that may ultimately feature dozens of candidates seeking to oust President Donald Trump. (Photo by NOAH BERGER / AFP)NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images less (FILES) In this file photo taken on January 27, 2019 California Senator Kamala Harris speaks during a rally launching her presidential campaign in Oakland, California. - US Senator Kamala Harris faces questions ... more Photo: Noah Berger, AFP/Getty Images Photo: Noah Berger, AFP/Getty Images Image 1 of / 22 Caption Close Kamala Harris does not support 'DACA for the wall,' but is 'all for increased border security' 1 / 22 Back to Gallery

During a CNN town hall in Des Moines, Iowa Monday night, California Sen. Kamala Harris said she would not support a spending deal that gives President Trump any money for a border wall, even if that deal ensured permanent protections for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients.

"I'm not going to vote for a wall under any circumstances," Harris said. "I do support border security, and if we want to talk about that, let's do that."

The senator and presidential candidate went on to list drones and other surveillance methods as forms of border security she would support.

“I’m not going to vote for a wall under any circumstances.” Kamala Harris says she won’t support funding for what she calls Trump’s “medieval vanity project,” even in exchange for funding for permanent protections for DACA recipients. #HarrisTownHall https://t.co/0EMGUsQFut pic.twitter.com/fwuxUzk1qX — CNN (@CNN) January 29, 2019

"Let's upgrade the technology, let's look at the fact that folks who are working on border security on the ground know that they need upgraded infrastructure around things like drones, and they need cameras," she said. "So yes, I'm all for increased border security where we need it, I'm not for a wall."

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Harris then discussed her experience as a prosecutor when dealing with transnational criminal organizations.

"I'm talking about organizations that for profit, are engaged in the trafficking of guns, drugs and human beings, that wall ain't gonna stop them," Harris said. "I have been to the border, I have seen the tunnels."

"The idea that we're going to sell this thing to the American public and require the taxpayers of our country to pay $5 billion to pay for something that will not deliver what he suggests we need is ridiculous and I will not support it," she continued.

The current spending deal is set to expire on Feb. 15, and President Trump has said he will shut down the government again or declare a national emergency if the new deal does not include any wall funding.

Harris also revealed that if elected president, the first thing she would do is pass the LIFT Act, a bill she introduced in 2018 that would provide a tax credit for middle class and working class families.

The bill would allow families making less than $100,000 a year to receive a $6,000 annual tax credit, and for people filing as individuals who make less than $50,000 a year to receive a $3,000 annual tax credit.

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In addition, Harris reiterated her support for a "Medicare for All" bill, even though it would mean eliminating private insurance.

"The idea is everyone gets access to medical care, and you don't have to go through the process of going through an insurance company," she said. "Having them give you approval, going through the paper work, all of the delay that may require.. let's eliminate all that, let's move on."

Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eting@sfchronicle.com and follow him on Twitter

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