In a move that goes against everything Democrats have been saying in regards to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents across the country, a surprising pro-ICE speech from former President Barack Obama has suddenly gone viral.
The now viral clip circulating across social media is from 2010 when then-President Obama warned Americans that halting deportations would trigger a surge in illegal immigration.
The content of the speech has now driven a deep divide amongst Democrats over the current status and conduct of over ICE deportation raids happening today.
The video, which has 30.1 million views at the time of publication, features a portion of Obama’s remarks on “Comprehensive Immigration Reform,” delivered at the American University School of International Service in Washington, D.C., in 2010.
“President Obama shoots down the whole ‘stop deportations and just let the illegal immigrants be’ argument that the Democrat party is currently pushing,” the account, @mazemoore, wrote.
In the speech, Obama spoke on immigrants’ rights and status.
“There are those in the immigrants’ rights community who have argued, passionately, that we should simply provide those who are [here] illegally with legal status or at least ignore the laws on the books and put an end to deportation until we have better laws,” Obama said.
“And often this argument is framed in moral terms: Why should we punish people who are just trying to earn a living?
“I recognize the sense of compassion that drives this argument, but I believe such an indiscriminate approach would be both unwise and unfair,” Obama continued.
“It would suggest to those thinking about coming here illegally that there will be no repercussions for such a decision, and this could lead to a surge in more illegal immigration. And it would also ignore the millions of people around the world who are waiting in line to come here legally.
“Ultimately, our nation, like all nations, has the right and obligation to control its borders and set laws for residency and citizenship,” Obama said. “And no matter how decent they are, no matter their reasons, the 11 million who broke these laws should be held accountable.”
Obama added he was not in favor of deporting “11 million people.”
“Now, if the majority of Americans are skeptical of a blanket amnesty, they are also skeptical that it is possible to round up and deport 11 million people. They know it’s not possible. Such an effort would be logistically impossible and wildly expensive,” he said.
Take a listen for yourself —
2010. President Obama shoots down the whole "stop deportations and just let the illegal immigrants be" argument that the Democrat party is currently pushing. pic.twitter.com/BpcsrjNg9g
— MAZE (@mazemoore) January 26, 2026
Even some of Obama’s harshest critics have now shared the video across social media, even implying the Obama’s message is still correct today.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas commented, saying, “Who is this guy and why isn’t he our spokesperson for border security and the moral need for lawful deportations? What a perfectly delivered argument for holding people accountable for breaking the law and also recognizing the millions of law-abiding immigrants waiting in line around the world.”
Who is this guy and why isn’t he our spokesperson for border security and the moral need for lawful deportations? What a perfectly delivered argument for holding people accountable for breaking the law and also recognizing the millions of law-abiding immigrants waiting in line… https://t.co/C7YosDzvLK
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) January 27, 2026
Ironically, Obama was frequently criticized by activists and media outlets during his presidency for deporting illegal immigrants who had little or no serious criminal history beyond crossing the border illegally earning him the nickname “deporter in chief” among some critics.