President Barack Obama speaks at an event for the Senior Executive Service at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. The Senior Executive Service (SES) is composed of the senior leadership of the Federal workforce
President Barack Obama takes a question about immigration reform during a visit to Casa Azafran in Nashville, Tennessee. Casa Azafran, located in Nashville’s most international and socially diverse district, is a community center and home to a number of immigrant-related nonprofits
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Father Breen tells President he and others are proud of his actions.#ObamaInNashville
— NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) December 09, 2025
“People who are here, let’s give them a shot, let’s get them out of the shadows.” —President Obama #ImmigrationAction http://t.co/D1xf6ZMamd
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 09, 2025
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The President is greeted by Lilia & Carlos Yepez at their restaurant in Nashville after he spoke on immigration reform.
President Barack Obama waves as he is introduced at Copernicus Community Center in Chicago to speak on immigration reform
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The President’s remarks on Ferguson
I need to begin by saying a few words about what’s happened over the past day, not just in Ferguson, Missouri, our neighbor to the south, but all across America.
As many of you know, a verdict came down - or a grand jury made a decision yesterday that upset a lot of people. And as I said last night, the frustrations that we’ve seen are not just about a particular incident. They have deep roots in many communities of color who have a sense that our laws are not always being enforced uniformly or fairly. That may not be true everywhere, and it’s certainly not true for the vast majority of law enforcement officials, but that’s an impression that folks have and it’s not just made up. It’s rooted in realities that have existed in this country for a long time.
Now, as I said last night, there are productive ways of responding and expressing those frustrations, and there are destructive ways of responding. Burning buildings, torching cars, destroying property, putting people at risk - that’s destructive and there’s no excuse for it. Those are criminal acts, and people should be prosecuted if they engage in criminal acts.
But what we also saw - although it didn’t get as much attention in the media - was people gathering in overwhelmingly peaceful protest - here in Chicago, in New York, in Los Angeles, other cities.
We’ve seen young people who were organizing, and people beginning to have real conversations about how do we change the situation so that there’s more trust between law enforcement and some of these communities. And those are necessary conversations to have.
We’re here to talk about immigration, but part of what makes America this remarkable place is being American doesn’t mean you have to look a certain way or have a certain last name or come from a certain place; it has to do with a commitment to ideals, a belief in certain values. And if any part of the American community doesn’t feel welcomed or treated fairly, that’s something that puts all of us at risk and we all have to be concerned about it.
So my message to those people who are constructively moving forward, trying to organize, mobilize, and ask hard, important questions about how we improve the situation - I want all those folks to know that their President is going to work with them. Separate and apart from the particular circumstances in Ferguson, which I am careful not to speak to because it’s not my job as President to comment on ongoing investigations and specific cases, but the frustrations people have generally - those are rooted in some hard truths that have to be addressed.
And so those who are prepared to work constructively, your President will work with you. And a lot of folks, I believe, in law enforcement and a lot of folks in city halls and governor’s offices across the country want to work with you as well.
So as part of that, I’ve instructed Attorney General Eric Holder not just to investigate what happened in Ferguson, but also identify specific steps we can take together to set up a series of regional meetings focused on building trust in our communities. And next week, we’ll bring together state and local officials, and law enforcement, and community leaders and faith leaders to start identifying very specific steps that we can take to make sure that law enforcement is fair and is being applied equally to every person in this country.
And we know certain things work. We know that if we train police properly, that that improves policing and makes people feel that the system is fair. We know that when we have a police force that is representative of the communities it’s serving that makes a difference. And we know that when there’s clear accountability and transparency when something happens that makes a difference.
So there are specific things we can do, and the key now is for us to lift up the best practices and work, city by city, state by state, county by county, all across this country, because the problem is not just a Ferguson problem, it is an American problem. And we’ve got to make sure that we are actually bringing about change.
The bottom line is, nothing of significance, nothing of benefit results from destructive acts. I’ve never seen a civil rights law, or a health care bill, or an immigration bill result because a car got burned. It happened because people vote. It happened because people mobilize. It happened because people organize. It happens because people look at what are the best policies to solve the problem. That’s how you actually move something forward.
So don’t take the short-term, easy route and just engage in destructive behavior. Take the long-term, hard but lasting route of working with me and governors and state officials to bring about some real change.
And to those who think that what happened in Ferguson is an excuse for violence, I do not have any sympathy for that. I have no sympathy at all for destroying your own communities.
But for the overwhelming majority of people who just feel frustrated and pain because they get a sense that maybe some communities aren’t treated fairly, or some individuals aren’t seen as worthy as others, I understand that. And I want to work with you and I want to move forward with you.
Your President will be right there with you.
Rest of transcript from today’s speech here
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President Barack Obama discusses immigration reform with community leaders
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President Barack Obama with Billy Lawless who introduced him
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President Obama addresses three hecklers who rudely interrupted him while he was speaking about immigration reform
— Philip Arsenault (@PhilipArsenault) November 21, 2025
The Valerie Jarrett I Know: How She Saved the Obama Campaign & Why She’s Indispensable. My latest for @thedailybeast: thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/…
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) November 18, 2025
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How's this for a WTF? According to @brianstelter, TV anchors have had off the record conversations with the cop in the Ferguson shooting.
— Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) November 23, 2025
Darren Wilson: let me influence your Ferguson reporting, but you can't tell anyone. TV news anchors: deal!
— Jay Rosen (@jayrosen_nyu) November 23, 2025
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With all the calls for peaceful protest, when is someone going to call for proper policing. No weapons drawn directly at unarmed citizens
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) November 22, 2025
When will @LindseyGrahamSC, @SenJohnMcCain, @KellyAyotte apologize to @AmbassadorRice? They look craven (again). nationalmemo.com/report-deliber…
— Joe Conason (@JoeConason) November 22, 2025
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Fascinating: members of congress with money in the stock market were more likely to vote to raise the debt ceiling. salon.com/2014/11/22/the…
— Sean McElwee (@SeanMcElwee) November 22, 2025
GOP officially admits Benghazi is bullsh*t. Who among the media will show any shame for the way they let this farce live on for two years?
— David Roberts (@drgrist) November 21, 2025
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Before and After http://t.co/i0NdxxVHKW
— Jessica Lussenhop (@Lussenpop) November 22, 2025
@Lussenpop @VictorianPrude Journalism has devolved into a cudgel to vilify protestors and shield for corporate malfeasance.
— R.A. Roth (@fantagor) November 22, 2025
..@Lussenpop @WesleyLowery Don't these news sites ever learn at all? Scum, inciting racism
— Sarah (@sazzy69) November 22, 2025
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DHS website on Executive Action dhs.gov/immigration-ac…
— Tanya Bradsher (@TBradsherDHS) November 21, 2025
Now that's what I call a Friday news dump. denverpost.com/portal/breakin… http://t.co/ieeIGxukNo
— Amanda Wills (@AmandaWills) November 21, 2025
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Polls say The American People™ wanted the Democratic agenda and Compromise, and expected to get it by voting for unhinged wingnut fascists.
— kara vallow (@teenagesleuth) November 20, 2025
In a poll, American Voters™ were asked: "Do you know what the fuck you're doing?" 98% responded "No. I have no fckng clue what I am doing."
— kara vallow (@teenagesleuth) November 20, 2025
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From the Cake Fail files. Poor Ana! http://t.co/Wyjta1BwOa
Obama shows fellow Democrats, Republicans and the U.S. public that he won’t play lame duck
bloom.bg/1uZDnMC http://t.co/OErXYjuOSW
— Bloomberg News (@BloombergNews) November 21, 2025
University of California expanding its legal services for immigrant students following president's immigration order. nbcbay.com/Gqc9j92
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) November 21, 2025
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Univision's Jorge Ramos Calls President Obama Executive Action a "Triumph For The Latino Community" wp.me/p5HMd-f5wj via @TIMEPolitics
— JORGE RAMOS (@jorgeramosnews) November 20, 2025
At Latin Grammy Awards, a celebration of Obama's immigration actions (with translation) ti.me/1xTYiR1
— (@michaelscherer) November 21, 2025
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Just because the right is enraged, doesn't mean Obama's immigration action is illegal or his methods unprecedented newrepublic.com/article/120342…
— Brian Beutler (@brianbeutler) November 20, 2025
On Immigration, Obama Isn’t the Radical One newyorker.com/news/john-cass… via @newyorker
— Steve Weinstein (@steveweinstein) November 20, 2025
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Dem governor of MO declares state of emergency due to peaceful protesters while GOP senator of OK threatens violence over immigration. Yup.
— We Be Du Bois (@eclecticbrotha) November 20, 2025
If theft was treated like rape... http://t.co/6U7TrBIywX
— SaraJoyM (@Tempibones) November 19, 2025
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Why is it that the people who want immigrants to learn English can't write a grammatically correct English sentence? #ImmigrationAction
— Harold Itzkowitz (@HaroldItz) November 21, 2025
#ImmigrationAction Division of land is caused by nature. The lines in between are drawn by men. It's only land. http://t.co/ndFbKJd4mm
— Brandi Williams (@BrThWi01) November 21, 2025
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this convo between my brother and his best friend just warms my heart so much. And they're only 13. http://t.co/59F8b0WJLD
— ✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ (@paleveil) November 08, 2025
A 13-Year-Old Came Out To His Best “Bro” Over Text Message, His Bro Had The Best Response buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/… http://t.co/lQ78KcSHNh
— (@BuzzFeed) November 21, 2025
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Most dangerous weapon protesters appear to have: 75-year-old Walter Rice's metal bucket and banging spoon #Ferguson http://t.co/CZpDDVibAL
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) November 20, 2025
Bill Maher: You do have to admit there's ppl out there who wanna kill Americans?
Mos Def: Uhh yeahhh, some of them are called the police.
— Rinascità (@InMirzWords) November 18, 2025
Love this: Local artist covering boarded-up #Ferguson business with hands of all colours, all ages http://t.co/2XeYvH4QEZ
— Mitch Potter (@MPwrites) November 19, 2025
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Hope the Republicans on this week's Sunday shows are editing all of their #Benghazi talking points: bigstory.ap.org/article/ecc3a3…
— Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) November 21, 2025
How Fox News Dismissed Today's Benghazi Report in Less Than 30 Seconds bit.ly/1zKPgGj (By @TheMattWilstein) http://t.co/hAi4lIPbG3
— (@Mediaite) November 21, 2025
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Conservative politics
1. White GOP Man wins: "People have spoken"
2. DEM woman wins: "Voter Fraud"
3. Black DEM man wins: "Muslim Kenyan"
— Tea Pain (@TeaPainUSA) November 19, 2025
Remember when Bush lost the house and senate, refused to change his views and the Dems shut the government down like babies?
Me neither.
— Steve Marmel (@Marmel) November 19, 2025
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.@ron_fournier Ron do you understand that this is exactly what the Affordable Care Act is? nationaljournal.com/politics/the-e… http://t.co/h37HIFvGOD
— (@kept_simple) November 17, 2025
These retailers are doing the RIGHT thing by not making their employees work on #Thanksgiving thinkprogress.org/economy/2014/1… http://t.co/haxKc0j5SA
— (@SEIU) November 19, 2025
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For a Kenyan-born socialist that was a remarkable assertion of what it means to be an American! Bravo Mr President. http://t.co/TljvVP60r7
— Martin Bashir (@MartinBashir) November 21, 2025
Hey @GOP @FoxNews...a graphic of executive orders per year by Presidents since Lincoln #Facts http://t.co/YuLGmEdqvo
— Cordell Simmons (@cordellsimmons) November 21, 2025
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Nothing like 8 failed Benghazi investigations, a ridiculous lawsuit & 999 Obama repeals to remind you that the GOP loves wasting your money.
— (@LOLGOP) November 21, 2025
Solyndra, IRS, Benghazi all turned out to be vaporware. But we should take the next one seriously.
— David Roberts (@drgrist) November 21, 2025
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AP: House Intel Panel Debunks Many Benghazi Theories
A two-year investigation by the Republican-controlled House Intelligence Committee has found that the CIA and the military acted properly in responding to the 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, and asserted no wrongdoing by Obama administration appointees. Debunking a series of persistent allegations hinting at dark conspiracies, the investigation of the politically charged incident determined that there was no intelligence failure, no delay in sending a CIA rescue team, no missed opportunity for a military rescue, and no evidence the CIA was covertly shipping arms from Libya to Syria. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, intelligence about who carried it out and why was contradictory, the report found. That led Susan Rice, then U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to inaccurately assert that the attack had evolved from a protest, when in fact there had been no protest. But it was intelligence analysts, not political appointees, who made the wrong call, the committee found. The report did not conclude that Rice or any other government official acted in bad faith or intentionally misled the American people.
More here
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The House GOP was gonna come out with a different report, but then all of a sudden the computer began deleting the bad stuff by itself
— Adam Serwer (@AdamSerwer) November 21, 2025
Oh, and lets not forget the part played by Mitt Romney and Reince Priebus, who were firing off press releases WHILE THE ATTACK WAS ONGOING
— Zeddonymous (@ZeddRebel) November 21, 2025
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Massachusetts exchange is "kicking ass so far" -- Gaba acasignups.net/14/11/21/updat… …
— xpostfactoid (@xpostfactoid1) November 22, 2025
Unemployment claims lowest since 2000.
So everyone who called the ACA job-killing has admitted they were lying?
cnbc.com/id/102200071
— (@LOLGOP) November 21, 2025
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Angry + Internet = Unconstitutional
— David Waldman (@KagroX) November 21, 2025
House Benghazi Subcommittee debunks findings of the "FW: FW: FW: Obungler" email from your Uncle worried about the direction of the country.
— (@pourmecoffee) November 21, 2025
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Even if you're a legal citizen, you should come out of the shadows. Seriously, it's weird and you're creeping everyone out.
— (@pourmecoffee) November 21, 2025
Obama: "Alright stop, collaborate, and listen. There was a problem, yo I solved it."
— (@pourmecoffee) November 21, 2025
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Good job, Britain. "Monty Python's 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life' tops the funeral charts" theguardian.com/social-enterpr…
— (@pourmecoffee) November 22, 2025
Never forget the timeless classics, people http://t.co/bDXXz552VB
President Barack Obama embraces Astrid Silva after she introduced him to speak about immigration reform during a visit to Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nevada
Immigration activist Astrid Silva introduces President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama signs two presidential memoranda associated with his actions on immigration in his office on Air Force One as he arrives at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas
President Barack Obama with legendary activist Dolores Huerta
