ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz acknowledged during a recent interview that President Trump’s border policies appear to be effectively reducing illegal immigration. Speaking with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Raddatz noted that the administration’s measures are “certainly working” in terms of stemming the flow of migrants at the southern border.
Her remarks came in the context of newly released data showing a significant drop in border encounters, particularly in June, where illegal crossings reached their lowest point in over a year. The comment marked a rare moment of public recognition from a mainstream media figure regarding the effectiveness of Trump-era enforcement strategies.
Despite Raddatz’s acknowledgment, Mayor Bass remained critical of the administration’s immigration approach, deflecting questions about whether all undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles should be permitted to stay. She focused instead on housing and economic challenges, avoiding direct engagement with the question of legal status.
The exchange has sparked renewed debate about immigration enforcement, as supporters argue that firm policies are producing results, while critics continue to push back on humanitarian and civil rights grounds. As the border remains a top issue heading into the next election cycle, the clash between local leadership and federal enforcement continues to shape the national conversation.