Mike Pence admonishes immigration critics: 'Under President Trump, we will never abolish ICE'

Vice President Mike Pence says calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement are "outrageous" and "irresponsible."

Speaking to ICE employees on Friday, Pence defended the "American heroes" of the agency and denounced political figures and progressive Americans who have advocated for its abolition.

"The American people have a right to their opinions," said Pence, "but these spurious attacks on ICE by our political leaders must stop." The vice president name-checked Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who, shockingly, "are actually openly advocating" for the end of ICE, which Pence called "appalling."

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In defense of ICE, Pence appealed to unfounded fears that illegal immigration increases gang violence and violent crime, additionally claiming that ICE officers and their families have been put at risk by the recent public outcry. "We are with you 100 percent," Pence pledged, "Under President Trump we will never abolish ICE."