Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov erupted at colleague Jesse Watters during Wednesday’s broadcast of “The Five,” demanding to know who would perform his manicure if mass deportations continue.
The confrontation unfolded as the panel discussed nationwide protests and riots that have erupted since Friday following the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts targeting illegal migrants.
Tarlov accused the administration of contradicting its stated policy of focusing solely on criminal illegal migrants.
She argued the current approach flies in direct opposition to campaign promises.
Co-host Brian Kilmeade interjected, defending the administration’s actions by stating officials were sent to remove individuals with criminal records.
Tarlov fired back with statistics, claiming 70 percent of people taken into custody have not been convicted of any crimes.
She characterized this as directly contradicting the administration’s stated objectives.
Kilmeade countered by citing recent arrest data, noting that 113 individuals with criminal records were apprehended over a two-day period.
The debate intensified as Tarlov referenced the massive demonstrations in Los Angeles, where nearly 1,000 protesters gathered on Friday and Saturday following ICE raids throughout the city.
Since January 20, the Trump administration has deported 139,000 illegal immigrants, according to official figures.
ICE data indicates three out of four illegal migrants arrested possessed criminal backgrounds.
Tarlov escalated her rhetoric, claiming thousands have been deported and describing detention facilities as foreign gulags housing individuals without criminal records.
Watters responded bluntly, stating that individuals who break into the country face removal consequences.
Recent ICE data released April 29 detailed the criminal histories of arrested illegal migrants, including convictions or charges for 9,639 assaults, 6,398 DWIs or DUIs and 1,479 weapon offenses.
The exchange grew more personal as Watters and Tarlov debated whether illegal migrants possess rights to remain in the United States.
Tarlov claimed the American public no longer supports mass deportation policies, setting up the confrontation’s most memorable moment.
“Who’s gonna do your manicure, Jesse?” Tarlov asked, directing the question at Watters.
Watters immediately pushed back, denying he receives manicures.
Tarlov expressed skepticism, referencing his nail appearance during daily broadcasts.
“I cut them very well. I mean, is that bad? You want me to come in here with fangs?” Watters responded.
The discussion concluded with Watters suggesting Americans who want immigration law changes should contact Congress directly.
The heated exchange came as tensions between the Trump administration and California have escalated due to ongoing destruction in Los Angeles.
President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and 700 Marines to California in response to the unrest.
Several prominent California Democrats have attempted to minimize the severity of the destruction, including Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Maxine Waters, Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Local authorities enforced a curfew in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday as officials worked to control the riots and restore order to affected areas.
