Prominent conservative commentator Ann Coulter and podcast host Joe Rogan have taken a public stand against former President Donald Trump’s deportation policies after a series of controversial immigration enforcement actions sparked widespread concern.
The breaking point came after reports emerged that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported Andry José Hernández Romero, a gay asylum seeker from Venezuela, despite warnings of the dangers he faced in Central America. This action has prompted Rogan and Coulter—both influential voices on the political right—to sharply criticize Trump’s enforcement strategies.
“This Is Horrific”: Rogan’s Emotional Response
On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan reacted strongly to the deportation of Hernández Romero. The Venezuelan, who fled political and LGBTQ+ persecution in his home country, was seeking asylum in the U.S. According to reports by The Guardian, he was forcibly deported to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.
U.S. officials claimed that Hernández Romero had links to a gang because of his crown tattoos. But immigration advocates and Hernández himself refuted these claims, stating the tattoos were not gang-related.
“If this guy is innocent, and it looks like he is, then what we’re doing is horrific,” Rogan said. “This kind of mistake is not just bad policy—it’s inhumane.”
Ann Coulter Joins the Backlash
Conservative firebrand Ann Coulter, once a strong supporter of Trump’s hardline immigration stance, has also begun distancing herself from recent policies. Coulter has criticized the administration for not maintaining “smart, targeted enforcement” and allowing “sloppy deportation mistakes” that undermine the rule of law.
While not as vocal as Rogan in media appearances, Coulter’s public disapproval—documented by The Atlantic—signals growing discomfort among some conservatives who once praised Trump’s strict immigration policies.
A Pattern of Controversial Deportations
Hernández Romero’s case is not isolated. Another troubling incident involves Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father with legal status and no criminal record, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador due to an administrative oversight.
According to Vanity Fair, immigration authorities deported Abrego Garcia after a database misclassification flagged him for removal. Though courts later acknowledged the mistake, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed they lacked the authority to reverse the deportation.
These cases have intensified criticism that immigration enforcement is moving too fast, without due process or adequate checks.
Experts Warn of Legal and Human Rights Violations
Legal experts warn that these enforcement patterns may violate the rights of asylum seekers under U.S. asylum law and international agreements like the 1951 Refugee Convention, which the U.S. follows. These laws prohibit returning individuals to countries where they face persecution or torture.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines protections for individuals who face danger due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
However, immigration rights groups say recent cases show a breakdown in these safeguards.
A Political Risk for Trump?
With the 2024 presidential campaign heating up, this wave of criticism from influential right-wing voices could spell trouble for Trump’s messaging on immigration. What was once a unifying issue among his base now shows signs of division.
According to analysts from Axios, Trump risks losing centrist and libertarian-aligned conservatives who view due process and humane immigration policies as essential American values.
Call for Reform and Oversight
Civil rights advocates, including those from ACLU, are now urging Congress and the Biden administration to impose stronger oversight on ICE and related immigration authorities. They call for reforms that ensure proper review of deportation orders and protections for vulnerable populations like LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
“Deporting someone to face violence or death is not only wrong—it’s illegal under U.S. law,” said an ACLU immigration policy analyst.
Conclusion
The rift between Trump and some of his most visible supporters underscores a growing unease with how deportation enforcement is being carried out. Whether these incidents shift public opinion or Trump’s immigration strategy remains to be seen—but the outcry from figures like Joe Rogan and Ann Coulter signals a notable change in the political winds.
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Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
