Fox News host Pete Hegseth has ignited a firestorm of criticism after making contentious remarks about former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during a recent broadcast.
Speaking on air, Hegseth suggested that if Trump were to return to the White House, he would revive hardline border measures, including the widely condemned practice of separating migrant families at the US-Mexico border.
"He’s going to restore all the policies—the Remain in Mexico, the wall, the Title 42, the child separation," Hegseth declared, referring to Trump’s previous immigration strategies.
The comments quickly drew backlash from advocacy groups and political opponents, who accused Hegseth of endorsing inhumane treatment of migrants. The family separation policy, introduced under Trump’s administration in 2018, led to thousands of children being taken from their parents, sparking international outrage.
Hegseth, a staunch Trump ally, has frequently defended the former president’s immigration agenda, arguing that strict enforcement is necessary to deter illegal crossings. However, critics argue that such measures violate human rights and fail to address the root causes of migration.
The controversy comes as Trump campaigns for a second term, with immigration expected to be a central issue in the upcoming election. President Joe Biden has sought to reverse many of Trump’s border policies, though challenges remain amid record numbers of arrivals.
Human rights organisations have condemned Hegseth’s remarks, warning that normalising family separations could lead to further harm. "This rhetoric is dangerous and dehumanising," said one advocate. "No child should be forcibly taken from their parents as a deterrent."
As the debate intensifies, Hegseth’s comments have reignited discussions about the ethical implications of hardline immigration enforcement—and the role media figures play in shaping public opinion.
