BROWARD COUNTY (VINnews)-A Florida Democratic congressional candidate who describes himself as a socialist said illegal immigrants who enter the country with murder charges should be jailed in the United States rather than deported, dismissing deportation as a “vacation.”

Elijah Manley, a candidate in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, made the comments during a recent Fox News interview. Manley, who has been endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is competing in the Democratic primary for the South Florida seat.

“If you’re a murderer coming to this country, put you in jail,” Manley said.

He argued against deportation, saying, “Republicans want to give these folks a vacation.”

Host Martha MacCallum reacted with disbelief: “That’s ridiculous. I don’t know what you’re talking about. A vacation??”

Manley, a substitute teacher and community organizer, has centered his campaign on progressive economic and social policies. He previously sought the Socialist Party USA presidential nomination and has drawn attention for positions including calls to abolish ICE.

The exchange circulated widely on social media Monday. Manley’s primary is scheduled for Tuesday.