Charles Barkley is questioning Donald Trump’s immigration strategy as the 2026 midterms approach. The NBA legend believes immigration and race have become major political tools ahead of the elections. However, Barkley did not call for abolishing ICE. Instead, he criticized certain enforcement tactics and argued that authorities should focus on criminals rather than hardworking immigrants.
Charles Barkley criticizes Trump’s midterm strategy
During an appearance on The Chris Cuomo Project, Charles Barkley discussed ICE, Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, and the upcoming midterms with Chris Cuomo.
Cuomo raised concerns about immigration enforcement expanding in sanctuary cities before the elections. In response, Barkley questioned what other political strategy Trump had available.
“What’s his other play, Chris?” Barkley asked. He argued that Trump could not campaign as easily on the economy because many Americans remain concerned about the cost of gas and groceries. Therefore, Barkley claimed that race and immigration had become Republicans’ “only playbook” for winning elections.
Still, Barkley drew a clear distinction between criticizing ICE tactics and opposing the agency altogether. He said he believes “there is a place for ICE,” but objected to what he described as enforcement against innocent people.
Moreover, Barkley argued that authorities already know the difference between criminals and hardworking immigrants. “Leave them the hell alone,” he said of immigrants who work and follow the law.
The former NBA star also pushed back against some positions on the left. Barkley criticized calls to eliminate ICE, police, or prisons, making clear that his comments did not amount to blanket support for Democratic immigration positions.
Barkley has addressed Donald Trump repeatedly in recent months. In another part of the same interview, he argued that Trump had made racist views more socially acceptable.
Earlier this year, Barkley also criticized the treatment of some U.S. immigrants during a March Madness broadcast.
Now, with the 2026 midterms approaching, Charles Barkley says he sees Donald Trump’s immigration messaging as a political strategy rather than simply an enforcement debate.
