Hawley slams Democratic expert for downplaying migrant crime: ‘Not an actual issue’
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., engaged in a fiery exchange with migrant rights activist Adam Isacson during a Senate hearing on the “Remain in Mexico” policy. The tension arose when Hawley accused Isacson of downplaying the murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant. Hawley displayed Riley’s photo behind him as he questioned Isacson about his previous statement that migrant crime is “not an actual issue.”
Isacson clarified that he did not mean to diminish the significance of Riley’s death and acknowledged it as a tragedy. However, he maintained his stance that migrant crime is less prevalent than U.S. citizen-committed crime. This assertion prompted Hawley to emphasize that Riley’s murder was a direct result of migrant crime and should not be dismissed as insignificant.
Hawley also highlighted another case involving a 12-year-old named Travis Wolfe, who was killed in a car accident involving an illegal immigrant. He expressed his belief that such violent murders are significant issues that warrant attention and action.
The discussion escalated as Isacson criticized the bipartisan Laken Riley Act, which aims to enhance immigration enforcement by requiring ICE to detain illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Isacson argued that the act could lead to unjust deportations based on minor offenses.
In response, Hawley defended the Laken Riley Act and proposed an amendment to expand its scope to cover individuals like Travis Wolfe. He asserted that ICE should be mandated to detain illegal migrants who commit violent crimes against children.
Following the hearing, Andrew Arthur, a former immigration judge and policy expert, commended Hawley for addressing the concerns of many Americans regarding migrant crime. Arthur emphasized the importance of securing the border to protect both citizens and lawfully present individuals from criminal activity.
Despite the contentious exchange, Arthur acknowledged the bipartisan consensus on the need for border security. He cited the success of the “Remain in Mexico” policy under the Trump administration and advocated for its potential reinstatement to combat illegal immigration and disrupt cartel operations.
In conclusion, the debate between Sen. Hawley and Adam Isacson underscored the complex challenges surrounding immigration policy and the importance of addressing issues related to migrant crime. The discussion served as a platform for bipartisan collaboration on enhancing border security and protecting vulnerable populations from criminal exploitation.
