The Trump Department of Homeland Security criticized The New York Times for publishing “sob stories” about deported criminal illegal immigrants while failing to acknowledge their victims. The department specifically called out the outlet for highlighting the case of Nascimento Blair, a Jamaican national who was deported after being convicted of kidnapping. In response to The Times portraying Blair as a “changed man” seeking redemption, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin questioned why the publication continues to focus on criminal illegal aliens while ignoring the harm they have caused.
Blair entered the U.S. in 2004 and subsequently violated the terms of his admission. He was arrested a year later for first-degree kidnapping and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Despite an immigration judge ordering his removal in 2008, Blair was allowed to remain in the country after being released on parole by the New York State Department of Corrections in April 2020. It wasn’t until February 2025 that ICE’s New York City field office finally arrested him.
McLaughlin emphasized that, due to the previous administration’s open border policies, Blair was able to remain on the streets of New York. She credited President Trump and Secretary Noem for prioritizing the apprehension and deportation of dangerous criminals like Blair, stating that their administration is focused on arresting and removing the “worst of the worst,” including convicted kidnappers. McLaughlin highlighted the efforts to restore common sense to the immigration system under the Trump administration.
The New York Times article depicted Blair’s life story as one of rehabilitation and redemption, with supporters claiming that his qualities were disregarded by Trump’s deportation policies. The outlet portrayed Blair as someone who had turned his life around, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees while incarcerated and volunteering in his community upon release. However, the DHS criticized the publication for focusing on the narrative of a criminal illegal immigrant while failing to acknowledge the impact on victims.
ICE confirmed that Blair’s deportation was in line with the administration’s priorities of removing dangerous individuals from the country. The agency reiterated that Blair, despite his attempts at rehabilitation, had been convicted of a serious crime and was ultimately held accountable for his actions. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated the commitment of the Trump administration to address immigration in a manner that prioritizes the safety and security of American communities, especially when dealing with convicted criminals like Blair.
Despite attempts by The New York Times to present Blair’s case as a story of redemption and overlooked qualities, DHS officials stressed the importance of addressing the consequences of criminal actions. The Trump administration’s focus on arresting and deporting convicted criminals who pose a threat to public safety is seen as a key component of their immigration policy. By highlighting cases like Blair’s, the administration aims to underscore the need for a more stringent approach to immigration enforcement that prioritizes the well-being of American citizens and communities.
