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February 23, 2016, 09:56 am

Trump: Cruz changed tune on immigration because he's losing

By Jesse Byrnes

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Republican presidential candidate Donald TrumpDonald TrumpClinton's lead narrows to 3 points in Pennsylvania Priebus predicts Trump will be 'consistent, measured' at debate Dem pollster: Debate will mark 'a fundamental change in the election' MORE on Tuesday slammed rival Ted CruzTed CruzPence offers Cruz 'heartfelt thanks' for Trump endorsement Cruz: Trump hasn't apologized for personal insults Cruz says he forgives Trump for attacks on family MORE for changing his tune on deporting the millions of immigrants in the country illegally. 

"Ted Cruz only talks tough on immigration now because he did so badly in S.C. He is in favor of amnesty and weak on illegal immigration," Trump tweeted.
 

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Trump has focused his campaign on illegal immigration, touting his proposals to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and deport the 12 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
 
Cruz, who has faced criticism for not providing details on what he would do with those 12 million people, offered tough rhetoric during an interview Monday night on Fox News.
 
"Listen, we should enforce the law. How do we enforce the law? Yes, we should deport them," Cruz told host Bill O'Reilly, adding, "We should build a wall, we should triple the border patrol."
 
When presented a hypothetical example of whether as president he would go to an Irish immigrant's house, take him out and put him on a plane home, Cruz said, "You better believe it."

A Cruz spokesperson insisted that the candidate hadn't changed his position, though Cruz last month dismissed going "door-to-door," as advocated by Trump, to remove illegal immigrants.
 
Cruz, who finished a disappointing third in South Carolina on Saturday behind Trump and Marco RubioMarco RubioSenate rivals gear up for debates Rubio: End of Obama's term could be 'most damaging yet' Fifteen years since pivotal executive order, STORM Act could help fight terror finance MORE, sought during his interview Monday to portray his rivals as weak on illegal immigration.

 

Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, 2016 GOP primary, Illegal immigration

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