During a segment on "NewsNation Now" aired Friday, John Sandweg, former acting ICE Director during the Obama administration, provided insight into what he sees as a notable shift in President Joe Biden's approach to immigration policy.

Sandweg highlighted Biden's recent endorsement of a Senate bill as indicative of this shift, suggesting it represents a departure from positions favored by certain immigration advocacy groups and progressives.

Fmr. Obama Official: Supporting Senate Bill Part of Recent 'Shift' Away from Left on Border Biden Has Made https://t.co/FgNNF1mugw . #Trump2024

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The policy

He characterized this move as a strategic pivot by the administration, signaling an effort to distance itself from certain factions within the Democratic Party.

The discussion extended to Biden's use of the term "illegal" to describe the suspect in the Laken Riley case during his State of the Union address.

“I think this kind of reflects…a larger shift the White House — and a calculated gamble they’ve made of late, including by adopting and endorsing the Senate bill, I think they’ve made a pivot away from some of the immigration advocate groups and progressives," he stated.

Sandweg interpreted this language as part of a broader shift within the White House, one that he sees as embracing a more conservative-leaning stance on immigration issues.

The shift

Sandweg observed that Biden's recent adoption of legislation with conservative immigration enforcement elements signals a departure from traditional party lines.

This, he suggested, may reflect a calculated attempt by the administration to appeal to a broader range of voters, including those who hold more conservative views on immigration.

Sandweg acknowledged the potential risks associated with this strategy, noting that it may alienate some on the left while potentially attracting more conservative voters.

Despite these risks, he emphasized the administration's apparent belief that there are limited alternatives for those dissatisfied with Democratic immigration policies.

What's next?

In his analysis, Sandweg credited Biden for embracing legislation that historically aligns with conservative immigration enforcement principles.

This move, he suggested, demonstrates a willingness by the administration to depart from traditional party positions on immigration matters.

Sandweg's commentary on "NewsNation Now" provided valuable perspective on what he perceives as a notable evolution in Biden's approach to immigration policy.

By highlighting the president's recent actions and language, Sandweg shed light on the administration's efforts to navigate the border crisis during an election year where migrant crossings have become a top voting issue for Americans.