Jon Tester: Yes on Immigration Reform, No on Blaming Dems

While Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., agrees Congress needs "to get comprehensive immigration reform done," he argues against the blame President Donald Trump levied on Democrats for the deaths of two migrant children who died trying to get into the U.S.

"I think it's everybody's fault," Tester told CBS's "Face the Nation." "This is unacceptable."

Two children migrating from Guatemala – a 7- and 8-year-old – died in recent weeks near the U.S. border with Mexico, prompting President Trump's tweet Sunday. While Tester rejects blaming his party, he does agree Congress needs to pass "comprehensive immigration reform."

"The bottom line is that if we're able to get comprehensive immigration reform done – which is going to require some leadership in the White House, too – then I think that we will see things settle down in the southern border in a big, big way," Tester told host Margaret Brennan.

Tester told Brennan he does not believe immigration reform "is that hard to do," despite the current government shutdown over President Trump's request for $5 billion in border security funding.

"I think what Democrats need to do is they need to work for the country and make sure that not only the southern border, but the northern border is secure – make sure that we have the ability on the borders to be able to screen every vehicle coming across to make sure that drugs don't come into this country," Tester said. "And I think that if we're able to get a plan to be able to do that, which I don't think is that hard to do, I think Democrats and Republicans can work together to make sure that we have a secure border and keep this country safe."

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