Hawley tells Democrats to ‘knock it off’ after attacks on ICE facilities

Sen. Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, strongly criticized his Democratic colleagues for their heated rhetoric against immigration enforcement officers in light of recent attacks on ICE and Border Patrol facilities in Texas. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Hawley emphasized the importance of lawmakers focusing on the needs of their constituents rather than seeking attention-grabbing headlines.

Specifically, Hawley called out Democrats who have condemned ICE officers for wearing masks during their operations. Rep. Pramila Jayapal from Washington accused the officers of behaving “like a terrorist force.” Hawley urged his Democratic colleagues to stop their attacks, pointing out the hypocrisy of criticizing ICE officers for masking while supporting mask mandates for children.

“We have a lot of rebuilding to do in America,” Hawley stated, highlighting the importance of unity and respect in political discourse. His remarks came shortly after the passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, a bipartisan effort that he championed alongside Democrats like former Rep. Cori Bush and members of the NAACP.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also weighed in on the issue, calling on Democrats to tone down their rhetoric against ICE and Border Patrol agents. She encouraged lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to meet with the agents to gain a better understanding of their work and challenges.

The conversation around Democratic rhetoric intensified following a series of attacks on ICE and Border Patrol facilities in Texas. In one incident, an active shooter opened fire on Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in the gunman’s death and injuries to a local police officer. Another shooting near ICE’s Prairieland Detention Facility left a Texas police officer wounded.

As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, it is crucial for lawmakers to engage in respectful dialogue and prioritize the safety and well-being of law enforcement officers. The incidents in Texas serve as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by those tasked with enforcing immigration laws.

Anders Hagstrom, a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and breaking news events, contributed to this report. For more updates and insights on political developments, follow @Hagstrom_Anders on Twitter.