Immigration Enforcement Un-American?

I agree it was a stupid thing for Pelosi to say.

But to play devil's advocate....

Under the current law, illegal immigrants have a right to a hearing to determine if there are circumstances (eg potential political persecution if sent back to their home country, mistakes on work or student visas, etc.) in which they may be eligible to stay in the country.

And, immigration violations are considered civil violations, like a speeding ticket or trespassing, but the government can imprison illegal immigrants without many of the rights criminals receive: no court-appointed attorney or even a right to speak with an attorney, no bond hearings, no guarantee of a speedy trial.

Several years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that ICE has about 6 months to deport or release immigrants, yet many who have not committed any other crime, have been held for more than a year.

In addition, raids in which whole families are rounded up often include children born here who have constitutional rights as citizens.

I'm not suggesting that most illegals who are caught should not be deported, but I can understand why some may feel that many illegals do not receive due process in a manner equal to other "criminals" under US law.