(NewsNation) — Dave Rubin, conservative commentator and host of “The Rubin Report,” criticized prominent celebrities for speaking out against federal immigration enforcement operations, saying figures like NBA coach Steve Kerr and musician Bruce Springsteen are spreading misinformation while ignoring victims of crimes committed by migrants.
In an interview with NewsNation’s “Katie Pavlich Tonight,” Rubin said the politicization of sports by figures like Kerr has driven fans away from professional basketball and other leagues.
“I don’t like turning on the NBA on TNT and hearing that I’m a racist,” Rubin said, explaining why he stopped watching basketball despite being a longtime fan.
Rubin took issue with Kerr’s recent comments saying federal agents are “taking 5-year-old kindergartners” rather than targeting violent criminals. Kerr was referring to the case of Liam Ramos, whose father, a migrant illegally in the U.S. facing criminal charges, was detained.
“He’s either lying or unwittingly telling something that’s not true,” Rubin said, noting that President Donald Trump recently held a press conference displaying images of criminals targeted by immigration enforcement operations.
Protests have continued on Minneapolis streets as demonstrators demand Immigration and Customs Enforcement leave the city following recent federal operations.
Rubin also criticized Springsteen’s new song “The Streets of Minneapolis,” which memorializes individuals who died during encounters with law enforcement, calling it “Defund the Police 2.0.”
“Why is he so upset that the federal government is defending the borders again?” Rubin asked, noting that former President Barack Obama deported more than 900,000 people compared to Trump’s 700,000 deportations so far.
Rubin said wealthy celebrities like Springsteen, who he said likely have extensive private security, are disconnected from Americans dealing with the consequences of illegal immigration.
