Pro Trump group hits Haley over past comments declaring people shouldn't call illegal immigrants 'criminals'

The running feud between GOP presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley has escalated again after Haley postulated that New Hampshire voters rectify the outcomes of the Iowa caucuses. Haley has become a target for a coalition linked to ex-President Donald Trump following her rise in the polls and her earlier statements suggesting that illegal immigrants should not be labeled as "criminals."

MAGA War Room, tied to MAGA Inc., released a footage of Haley from a 2015 Aspen Institute event where she made these comments while she was governor of South Carolina. Haley stated at the session that despite the influx of illegal immigrants, the United States should always remain a nation of laws. She also voiced her frustration over D.C.'s failure to construct a wall after spending substantially over the years.

In the clipping, Haley reinforced her immigrant roots and showed compassion for illegal immigrants seeking a better life, calling them families with hearts and not criminals. She called for respect and adherence to the laws of the land.

A spokesperson for the Haley campaign, AnnMarie Graham Barnes, rebutted the allegations by the pro-Trump faction, saying that Haley has always been firm against illegal immigration. She also revealed that Haley adopted one of the strictest anti-illegal immigration laws back in 2011. She emphasized that Haley's style differs from Trump's and that she disagreed with some of his controversial rhetoric.

Rival GOP presidential nominee Vivek Ramaswamy also expressed strong disagreement with Haley's stance on Wednesday.

However, Nikki Haley has attracted criticism from her Republican primary competitors on various grounds including her close commercial ties with China during her tenure as governor of South Carolina.

In addition to these heated exchanges, the spotlight has also turned onto a section from Haley's 2012 book that narrated how she preferred her husband, Michael Haley, to be addressed.

Despite the controversies, Haley has gained ground in the polls following successful appearances at the first three GOP presidential primary debates. She even edged past Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in New Hampshire, marking a significant progression in her campaign. She now has her sights set on Iowa, where she is closely matched with DeSantis and seemingly closing in on Trump's leads in the pursuit for GOP candidacy.

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