During a May 5, 2025, appearance on NBC‘s “Meet the Press,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) addressed questions from host Kristen Welker concerning due process rights for illegal immigrants. Welker referenced President Donald Trump’s recent comments questioning whether illegal immigrants are entitled to due process under the U.S. Constitution. She cited the Fifth Amendment, which states that “no person shall be… deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law,” and asked Donalds whether this protection applies to non-citizens.
Donalds responded by emphasizing the framers’ intent and current border security issues. He stated, “When the framers wrote our Constitution, they never envisioned that there would be an executive that would allow millions of people to come into the country illegally.” He questioned the appropriateness of an administration not following the law, abusing border security laws, and then relying on the court system to manage the consequences.
The exchange highlighted differing interpretations of constitutional protections and the challenges posed by current immigration policies. Donalds’ remarks reflect ongoing debates about the balance between national security and individual rights in the context of immigration enforcement.
