Contentious Debate on the Term “Concentration Camp”

On Tuesday, former MSNBC host Tiffany Cross had a strong reaction when Republican strategist Scott Jennings questioned her use of the phrase “concentration camp.” This exchange comes as President Donald Trump has prioritized issues surrounding illegal immigration in his second term, especially as he approaches the 2024 election. His focus intensified particularly after he took office on January 20th, addressing matters at the US-Mexico border. Jennings interrupted Cross as she reiterated terminology from a previous appearance on “CNN Newsnight.”

Cross stated, “They want—people who are struggling right now, people who can’t pay mortgages, people who have been separated from their families… those people don’t want to see others.” She emphasized the plight of those detained, suggesting they were treated like “foreigners within deportation camps.” Meanwhile, Jennings countered that her remarks were disrespectful, particularly to Jewish people.

Democratic strategist Julie Loginsky chimed in, saying, “No, not at all. I’m Jewish, and it’s not offensive. It’s not—it’s not a death camp.” Jennings remarked that comparing the current situation to the Holocaust was, in his words, “wild.”

In light of June’s enforcement campaign by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unrest has spread from Los Angeles to several other cities. In Texas, there were incidents that led to charges against individuals relating to ICE operations.

Cross expressed frustration over the administration’s actions rather than her wording. “I hope people are more offended by what’s happening to individuals disappearing due to government agencies, rather than focusing on what I’m calling it. We shouldn’t normalize these instances as if they’re theoretical.” Jennings responded skeptically, noting that Cross continued to suggest that ICE was effectively “disappearing” individuals.

Additionally, ICE conducted a search warrant operation at two California marijuana farms, rescuing at least 10 minors, eight of whom were unaccompanied. Reports highlighted that the operation encountered violence, as one person allegedly fired a weapon at an ICE agent.