April 08, 2019 at 11:05PM
WASHINGTON - The abrupt resignation of President Donald Trump's third homeland security chief in two years gave no pleasure even to those who viewed her as an enabler -- someone who never seemed eager enough for Trump to pursue harsh anti-immigrant policies, but did so anyway.
Kirstjen Nielsen wasn't tough enough for Trump. The ongoing spike in illegal border crossings casts doubt on his approach and threatens to undermine a signature campaign theme.
For immigrant advocates and 2020 Democratic contenders, Nielsen has been the face of cruelty-- clashes with tear gas at the border, children taken from parents. Her departure provides political fodder but little comfort, given Trump's demands for ever more severe policies.
"She leaves behind a troubled legacy at the Department of Homeland Security. She put in place some of the president's most brutal policies relating to the treatment of asylum seekers," said Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
"I've had conversations with Republican colleagues over the last year or so who swear that she was reluctant to impose some of President Trump's most egregious policies. But ultimately she implemented them, whether she did it quickly or slowly," he said. "She got caught up in President Trump's anti-immigration machine."
Trump has eyed two Texans for the post.
Energy Secretary Rick Perry, the former governor, turned it down 18 months ago. He was being floated again for the vacancy. Trump passed on Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, deeming him not sufficiently hardline on immigration.
The president announced Nielsen's resignation on Twitter before she had the chance. In a letter provided Sunday night by her office, she said the resignation was effective immediately, though hours later she agreed to stay through Wednesday to ease the transition.
Praise from top Republicans focused on her devotion to public service, and generally glossed over her role in family separation and other controversies.
McCaul, who chaired the House Homeland Security Committee for six years, called her "a principled voice on national security issues [who] wholly understands the complex threats we face." But like many Republicans, he made no detailed mention of her role in crafting or implementing immigration and border security.
Democrats pulled no punches.
Texans Beto O'Rourke and Julián Castro--Joaquin's twin -- were among the first presidential contenders to issue messages of good riddance.
WASHINGTON - The abrupt resignation of President Donald Trump's third homeland security chief in two years gave no pleasure even to those who viewed her as an enabler -- someone who never seemed eager enough for Trump to pursue harsh anti-immigrant policies, but did so anyway.
Kirstjen Nielsen wasn't tough enough for Trump. The ongoing spike in illegal border crossings casts doubt on his approach and threatens to undermine a signature campaign theme.
For immigrant advocates and 2020 Democratic contenders, Nielsen has been the face of cruelty-- clashes with tear gas at the border, children taken from parents. Her departure provides political fodder but little comfort, given Trump's demands for ever more severe policies.
"She leaves behind a troubled legacy at the Department of Homeland Security. She put in place some of the president's most brutal policies relating to the treatment of asylum seekers," said Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
"I've had conversations with Republican colleagues over the last year or so who swear that she was reluctant to impose some of President Trump's most egregious policies. But ultimately she implemented them, whether she did it quickly or slowly," he said. "She got caught up in President Trump's anti-immigration machine."
Trump has eyed two Texans for the post.
Energy Secretary Rick Perry, the former governor, turned it down 18 months ago. He was being floated again for the vacancy. Trump passed on Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, deeming him not sufficiently hardline on immigration.
The president announced Nielsen's resignation on Twitter before she had the chance. In a letter provided Sunday night by her office, she said the resignation was effective immediately, though hours later she agreed to stay through Wednesday to ease the transition.
Praise from top Republicans focused on her devotion to public service, and generally glossed over her role in family separation and other controversies.
McCaul, who chaired the House Homeland Security Committee for six years, called her "a principled voice on national security issues [who] wholly understands the complex threats we face." But like many Republicans, he made no detailed mention of her role in crafting or implementing immigration and border security.
Democrats pulled no punches.
Texans Beto O'Rourke and Julián Castro--Joaquin's twin -- were among the first presidential contenders to issue messages of good riddance.
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