Never in his life has Jorge Ramos been kicked out a press conference.
The Fusion and Univision journalist said as much in the aftermath of Tuesday's intense confrontation with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Ramos was ejected from the Dubuque, Iowa event for asking Trump about his immigration stance; one which includes deporting millions of undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
The real estate magnate fielded questions from other journalists in attendance but averted Ramos' request, prompting the renowned Mexican-American reporter to talk over Trump.
"You haven't been called...go back to Univision," Trump told Ramos before having him kicked out. Univision posted video of a subsequent exchange between Ramos and a Trump supporter as he was escorted out.
"You were very rude. This isn't about you. Go back to your country," the unidentified individual said. Ramos noted that he is a U.S. citizen, to which Trump's supporter replied, "Well, whatever. It's not about you."
Trump allowed Ramos back in, at other journalists' urging, but still refused his questions. It was their first interaction since Trump posted Ramos' handwritten letter requesting for an interview on Instagram, which included Ramos' cell phone number.
Ramos - who said he's interviews President Obama and other world leaders without being kicked out - defended his actions on Univision and ABC News Wednesday morning.
"As a journalist you have to take a stand. I think the best journalism happens when you take a stand," he said speaking with ABC's George Stephanopolous, "and when it comes to racism, discrimination, corruption, public life, dictatorship or human rights, as journalists, we are not only required but we are forced to take a stand and clearly when Mr. Trump is talking about immigration in an extreme way, we have to confront him and I think that's what I did yesterday."
Trump outlined his immigration policy in a six-page plan posted on his campaign page. In it, he calls for mass deportations and an end to birthright citizenship guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment. While he plans on stopping legal immigrant visas given to "people bent on causing us harm," Trump said he would consider letting "good ones" come back.
One of Ramos' biggest gripes is that Trump hasn't been specific about how his immigration plan will be carried out.
"In the same way he took me out of a press conference, he wants to take 11 million undocumented immigrants out of the United States," Ramos told Univision. "My job is to ask questions, to anyone, anywhere in the world, and that's exactly what I did."
According to Fusion's Facebook page, Ramos will sit down with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly Wednesday night to talk about being bullied by Trump. Kelly, for her part, has also been a victim of Trump's vociferous attitude.
Watch Tuesday night's exchange below.
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