Paul Ryan says border wall could include fencing, no deportation force
House Speaker Paul Ryan discussed Donald Trump and his incoming administration’s immigration plans in an interview with “60 Minutes” airing Sunday evening, giving more details about what the Republican party plans to do to secure the border.
“No, we’re not working on a deportation force,” Ryan told CBS News’ Scott Pelley.
The Wisconsin Republican emphasized that those with criminal records would be the focus of enforcement resources.
“Here’s what we’re working on with respect to immigration, securing our border, enforcing our current laws,” Ryan said. “He talked about criminal aliens. That’s just enforcing laws for people who came here illegally, who came and committed violent crimes. We should enforce those laws. But really, what we’re focused on is securing our border.”
When Pelley noted that Mr. Trump has promised to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, Ryan replied that “conditions on the ground determine what you need in a particular area.”
“Some areas, you might need a wall,” Ryan said. “Some area, you might need double fencing. My own view on this is, whatever kind of device or barrier or policy to secure the border, that’s necessary to secure the border, then do it.”
During Mr. Trump’s first televised post-election interview on “60 Minutes,” the president-elect also seemed to scale back his plans for building a border wall, saying a fence would also be acceptable across some parts of the border.
“You know, they are talking about a fence in the Republican Congress,” CBS’ Lesley Stahl told Mr. Trump shortly he claimed victory in the general election. “Would you accept a fence?
“For certain areas I would,” he responded. “But certain areas, a wall is more appropriate. I’m very good at this, it’s called construction.”
“So part wall, part fence?” Stahl pressed.
“There could be some fencing,” Mr. Trump said.
Ryan’s interview will be broadcast on “60 Minutes” Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.