In 2018, Vice President Kamala Harris, then a U.S. senator, participated in a public demonstration in Los Angeles to protest against the deportation of illegal immigrants.

During this march, Harris, accompanied by actor Jussie Smollett, her husband Doug Emhoff, and step-daughter Ella, walked alongside activists in the 33rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. parade as she chanted, "Down, down with deportation," as the Post Millennial reports.

The event occurred at a time when immigration policies were hotly debated in the U.S., and Harris took center stage as the grand marshal of the parade.

Her participation in this protest reflected what she says is her commitment to immigration reform, a view that would later play a significant role in her actions as vice president.

Footage of Harris' Protest Resurfaces Amid Immigration Debate

Recently, footage of Harris' 2018 protest resurfaced, shared by media outlets like the Daily Mail. This re-emergence comes during a time when the Biden administration, with Harris as vice president, has seen immigration policy become a key issue. Under the current administration, there has been a 67% decline in deportations compared to the Trump era.

The Biden-Harris administration has focused on more lenient immigration policies, which have sparked both support and criticism. Since taking office, more than 2 million illegal immigrants have crossed the U.S. border annually, prompting intense debate over border security and the federal government’s approach to immigration.

Biden Tasks Harris with Border Security in 2021

In 2021, President Joe Biden assigned Harris the responsibility of overseeing efforts to secure the U.S.-Mexico border, a task that has drawn immense public scrutiny. Harris’ history as an advocate for immigrant rights made her a controversial figure for this role. Under her leadership, deportations have dramatically decreased, a shift in direction from the stringent enforcement policies under the Trump administration.

Programs implemented under the Biden-Harris administration include provisions for unaccompanied minors, their families, and various refugee and parole programs. While these programs have allowed many immigrants to enter the U.S., they have also raised concerns about proper vetting and accountability.

Mixed Reactions to Lenient Immigration Policies

As part of the administration's immigration strategy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has endorsed these more lenient policies. Mayorkas has publicly stated that he believes deporting individuals who enter the country illegally is counterproductive, echoing Harris' earlier statements from the 2018 protest. However, the lenient policies have not been without controversy.

Concerns have been raised about the handling of unaccompanied minors crossing the border. The DHS is responsible for these minors, but many have been placed with sponsors who were not properly vetted, leading to numerous cases of children being unaccounted for after placement.

Public Opinion Split on Deportation Policies

Public opinion on immigration remains deeply divided. Polls suggest that while a majority of Republicans and a significant portion of independents favor stricter deportation measures, many Democrats remain opposed. A recent poll showed that 54% of Americans support mass deportations of illegal immigrants, with 86% of Republicans, 58% of independents, and 25% of Democrats backing such plans.

Immigration has emerged as a leading issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election, with 39% of Americans identifying it as a top concern. Former President Donald Trump has promised to take a tougher stance on border security if re-elected, a direct contrast to the current administration's policies.

Amnesty Proposals and Opposition in Congress

In addition to reducing deportations, the Biden-Harris administration has pushed for mass amnesty programs for illegal immigrants. One of these proposals includes allowing illegal immigrant spouses to remain in the U.S. without completing the legal citizenship process, a move that has sparked further debate in Congress.

Recently, a Congressional bill aimed at deporting illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes passed despite opposition from 158 Democrats. This legislative battle highlights the ongoing clash over immigration policy and enforcement within the U.S. government.

Looking Ahead to 2024

As the 2024 campaign season heats up, immigration will likely remain a central issue. The contrasting approaches of the Biden-Harris administration and Trump’s proposed stricter policies will be a focal point for voters. The significant influx of illegal immigrants since 2021, along with ongoing debates over amnesty, deportation, and border security, has shaped the political landscape leading into the next presidential election.

In the coming months, both sides of the political spectrum will continue to advocate for their vision of immigration reform. While Harris’ 2018 protest against deportation remains a symbolic moment in her political career, her role in shaping current immigration policy will be closely scrutinized as the debate moves forward.

Conclusion

Kamala Harris’ participation in a 2018 Los Angeles protest against deportation foreshadowed her later role in overseeing the nation’s border security as vice president.

Since 2021, deportations have significantly declined, and lenient immigration policies have been implemented, allowing millions of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. annually.

Public opinion remains split on these policies, with immigration shaping up to be a key issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Both amnesty proposals and stricter deportation measures remain highly contentious topics, as the nation looks to its leaders for solutions.