Trump defends deportation policy, rules out amnesty in immigration talks

President Donald Trump defended his administration's deportation policy as "very strong" and rejected any immigration deal including amnesty, reversing his earlier openness to negotiating with Democrats. The comments came Monday amid post-midterm election discussions on immigration reform. Trump stated "there won't be amnesty" for immigrants living in the US illegally, while Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed opposition to amnesty but expressed willingness to work with Democrats on bipartisan solutions. Mullin noted he has received calls from Democratic lawmakers since the election, though no concrete policy changes have been discussed. The midterm elections showed about six in 10 voters believed immigration enforcement had "gone too far," according to an AP poll. Trump has elevated Stephen Miller, architect of his immigration crackdown, as chief of staff, complicating potential bipartisan cooperation. Mullin suggested Congress could address DACA recipients' legal status separately.