Colbert on DACA: ‘By canceling it, Trump has stepped in some deep DACA’

Stephen Colbert on Tuesday chided President Trump over his decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which would affect nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Colbert said there is a “manmade disaster unfolding in Washington” after the Trump administration’s announcement on DACA, which defers deportation for undocumented immigrants brought to the country as minors and lets them apply for work permits.

“The vast majority of Americans like this program, so by canceling it, Trump has stepped in some deep DACA,” Colbert said on Tuesday night’s “The Late Show.”

{mosads}”So, even though his decision is unpopular, Trump bravely stepped up, then cringed back and had somebody else announce it.”

Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement on Tuesday, though Trump later put out a statement explaining it.

During the show, Colbert mocked Sessions, who said that the decision does not mean “they are bad people or that our nation disrespects or demeans them in any way.”

“You’re right Jeff, deporting innocent children does not mean they’re bad people,” Colbert said. “It means you’re a bad person.”

Colbert said DACA recipients aren’t the only ones being hurt by rescinding the problem. He cited a study that said ending the program would cost the federal government $60 billion and reduce economic growth.

“Wow, Trump really is a dealmaker,” Colbert said.

Trump did “eventually get around to publicly addressing the fears this will cause,” Colbert said. He then pointed to a clip of Trump saying he has a “great heart for the folks we’re talking about, a great love for them.”

“And you know what they say, if you love something, set it free, then lock the door when it’s gone,” Colbert said.