Harris, a staunch advocate of more permissive immigration policy, made the comparison while questioning Ronald Vitiello, President Trump’s nominee to lead ICE, during his confirmation hearing. She began the line of questioning by citing Vitiello’s use of the term "neo-Klanist" in a 2015 tweet, which he applied to Democrats in order to highlight the party’s role in advancing segregationist policies during the 19th and 20th centuries. She then sought to apply Vitiello’s characterization of twentieth century Democrats to the agency he has been nominated to lead.
"Are you aware of the perception of many about how the power and the discretion at ICE is being used to enforce the laws and do you see any parallels?" she asked.
"I do not see any parallels," Vitiello interjected. "That puts ICE in the same category as the KKK. Is that what you’re asking me?"
"No, I’m very specific in what I’m asking you. Are you aware of a perception that the way that they . . ." Harris continued, before Vitiello interjected. "I see none," he said.