TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) – Vice President JD Vance, addressing supporters in his home state of Ohio, criticized the "far left" for contributing to the turmoil surrounding the White House's deportation campaign. Speaking in Toledo ahead of his visit to Minnesota, Vance emphasized the need for immigration enforcement and a secured border. He stated, "If you want to turn down the chaos in Minneapolis, stop fighting immigration enforcement and accept that we have to have a border in this country. It’s not that hard."
Vance's visit comes in the wake of a recent shooting incident in Minneapolis, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Good, a mother of three, during a confrontation. The vice president has defended the agent involved in the incident, describing Good's death as "a tragedy of her own making." His statements highlight his firm stance on immigration enforcement and the controversial nature of the incident that has sparked significant protests in the city.
While in Minneapolis, Vance plans to meet with ICE agents, further signaling his support for immigration authorities. He also commended law enforcement for arresting protesters who disrupted a church service in the city, during which attendees reportedly chanted slogans demanding justice for Good. Vance remarked, "They’re scaring little kids who are there to worship God on a Sunday morning. Those people are going to be sent to prison so long as we have the power to do so," indicating his strong disapproval of the protests that he perceives as violating public order.
Vance's Toledo appearance was not solely about immigration issues; it also aimed to reinforce the Trump administration's economic message. Following former President Donald Trump's appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Vance took the opportunity to support key Republican candidates ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, including gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and U.S. Senator Jon Husted.
Despite the administration's efforts, persuading voters that the economy is in good condition remains a challenge for Trump. Polling indicates that many Americans are unconvinced about the economy's health and are critical of Trump’s foreign policy handling. In response to these concerns, Vance urged patience among voters, arguing that Trump inherited a difficult economic situation from the previous administration. "You don’t turn the Titanic around overnight," he stated, asserting that it requires time to address the issues left behind.
Vance's remarks reflect the administration’s struggle to shape public perception regarding its economic performance and the ongoing debate over immigration policies. With the midterm elections approaching, the effectiveness of Vance's appeals and policies will likely play a critical role in gauging voter sentiment.
