Donald Trump apparently has a kindred spirit in Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who defended the billionaire entertainer's controversial remarks on immigration.

"I salute Donald Trump for focusing on the need to address illegal immigration," the Texas senator and presidential candidate told "Meet the Press" host Chuck Todd in an interview to air Sunday. "The Washington cartel doesn't believe we need to secure the borders. The Washington cartel supports amnesty."

Trump said last month during his presidential rollout that some Mexican "rapists" are bringing drugs and crime across the border. The comments have caused businesses to cut ties with the entertainer and have led to denouncements from other candidates.

Cruz said the comments are not ones he would have made, but he took exception to the "Washington" media encouraging Republicans to attack other Republicans.

"I'm not interested in Republican on Republican violence," he said.

Trump appeared to reciprocate Cruz's goodwill, saying during an interview on "Fox & Friends" that the senator is "very brave" for his comments on immigration.