In a rare and pointed admission, John Kerry on immigration has criticized the Democratic Party’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, saying it allowed the nation’s southern border to fall “under siege” during President Joe Biden’s term.
In an interview with the BBC, the former Secretary of State and 2004 Democratic presidential nominee said the party had mishandled immigration policy for years, giving Republicans — especially Donald Trump — a major political advantage.
“Trump was right,” Kerry said. “The problem is, we all should have been right.”
Kerry’s Take on Biden’s Immigration Strategy
Kerry emphasized the importance of border control, echoing a stance often associated with the Republican side of the immigration debate.
“The first thing any president should say — or anybody in public life — is that without a protected border, you don’t have a nation,” he told the BBC. “I wish President Biden had been heard more often saying, ‘I will enforce the law.’”
This statement marks a notable departure from mainstream Democratic messaging, which has largely focused on more humane immigration policies and pathways to citizenship.
Trump’s Immigration Policy Gains Ground
While controversial, Trump’s immigration policy appears to have led to a decrease in illegal border crossings. Data shows that in the first six months of his second term, crossings have fallen to near-record lows — although the trend reportedly began in Biden’s final year after asylum rules were tightened.
Now, the Trump administration has shifted its focus to nationwide immigration raids, targeting even long-time undocumented residents. Cities like Los Angeles have seen aggressive federal operations, prompting widespread backlash.
Over the weekend, a heavily armed team of federal agents and California National Guard troops raided MacArthur Park — a hub for immigrant communities. Officers arrived on horseback, on foot, and in armored vehicles.
“It looked like a military operation in an American city,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “This is not about law enforcement — it’s about fear and intimidation.”
Legal Pushback and Political Fallout
In response, Los Angeles and seven other California cities filed a lawsuit against the federal government, claiming these enforcement actions violate U.S. law. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the raids part of a “cruel and familiar pattern” aimed at dividing communities and stoking fear.
This legal and political fight is reminiscent of the backlash during Trump’s first term, when his administration’s family separation policy generated national outrage
Democrats Face an Identity Crisis
As immigration enforcement regains center stage in American politics, Democrats are under pressure to refine their message. According to Kerry and other Democratic veterans, the party has failed to present a strong and consistent stance on border security — and it’s costing them politically.
Trump, meanwhile, continues to use the issue to rally his base. Responding to Democrats’ push to regulate how ICE agents operate, Trump said:
“They’ve lost their minds. They’re deranged. They’ve got no confidence,” referring to Democratic lawmakers.
Kerry’s comments suggest that Democrats may need to rethink their approach if they hope to regain public trust and political momentum on this issue.
