ICE head denounces political vitriol, apologizes
WASHINGTON — The acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told senators Thursday that employees’ morale has suffered because of the bitter political climate, and he apologized for sending a tweet in 2015 that suggested renaming the Democratic Party as the “NeoKlanist” party.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee heard testimony on whether to confirm Ronald Vitiello as head of an agency that some Democrats want to abolish. Vitiello said ICE employees are threatened with violence or targeted at their homes.
“They should not have to bear the burden of attacks motivated largely by political and policy disagreements,” he said.
But Vitiello was questioned by Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., about a tweet Vitiello sent from a personal account in 2015. It was in reply to a message to conservative talk show host Mark Levin asking for new names for the Democratic party. Vitiello responded: “liberalcratic party or the NeoKlanist party.”
He told senators it was wrong to send it, though he added he thought he was sending a direct message, not a public tweet.
“It’s important and I understand the gravity; it was meant as a joke. I wasn’t trying to do anything other than make a joke. I regret it,” he said.
Vitiello has been a law enforcement agent for more than 30 years, starting in 1985 with the U.S. Border Patrol. He was previously Border Patrol chief and deputy commissioner U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees the patrol. Letters of support from police, lawmakers and career law enforcement officers spoke of Vitiello’s professionalism and dedication, including one from Gil Kerlikowske, the former commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under President Barack Obama.
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., questioned Vitiello on the perception of ICE that it uses arrests to cause fear and intimidation among immigrants, particularly those from Mexico and Central America.
Vitiello said the agency is enforcing the law, and officers do the best they can.
The committee was expected to vote on his nomination after Thanksgiving.