Gutierrez Says He'll Back 'Idiotic' Border Wall To Save Dreamers

CHICAGO, IL — Rep. Luis Gutierrez said Sunday that he would be open to funding a border wall if it results in legal protection for "Dreamers," people who came into the country illegally as children. Building a southern border wall was one of President Trump's key campaign promises. Gutierrez made his comments on ABC's "This Week," as the federal government entered the second day of a partial shutdown.

"I think the wall is a monumental waste of taxpayers' money, and it's to build a monument to stupidity and it's just idiotic," Gutierrez said. "Having said that, if that's what it's going to take in order to put 800,000 young men and women in this country, Dreamers, and put them in a safe place and put them on course to full integration in our society... I say pay it."

Gutierrez chairs the immigration and border issues task force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and has repeatedly criticized Trump's immigration policies and plan to build a wall.

"As despicable as it is, as hurtful as it is to people like me and others in this country, we are ready to sacrifice so that Dreamers can have freedom in this country," Gutierrez said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said negotiations on an immigration deal are underway; however, many Democrats are skeptical of Republican pledges to bring up legislation to shield Dreamers.

Image provided by Rep. Gutierrez's office