Democrats continue to search for a way to hone their message as President Donald Trump begins to implement his immigration agenda, Punchbowl News reported.
In an interview on "Meet the Press" House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., pivoted to an economic message when asked about Trump's plans for mass deportation.
"The administration needs to focus on the removal of violent felons," Jeffries said when pressed further.
But some House Democrats are concerned the party isn't delivering a strong enough message about Trump's immigration plans, Punchbowl said. Several staffers for progressive reps expressed frustration they don't know what to tell the immigrants in their district terrified of Trump's immigration crackdown, according to Punchbowl.
Other aides were frustrated that on a weekly call during the first week of the Trump Administration, the agenda was Black History Month rather than immigration, according to Punchbowl.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is looking at its messaging with Chair Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., wanting members to move to the middle on immigration.
"The birthright citizenship [order] is unconstitutional," Espaillat told Punchbowl. "The other executive orders, we're going to be looking at each and every one of them."
Punchbowl said Democrats face a lack of a true party leader while grappling with the fact that Trump's hardline approach to immigration has proven popular.
Some Democrats griped Jeffries didn't take a tougher stance against the Laken Riley Act, which had support from 48 Democrats. Leadership opted not to whip against the vote, Punchbowl said.
Jeffries has told his members to vote their district but warned them not to take GOP bait, Punchbowl reported.