Heated Exchange at House Judiciary Committee Over Sanctuary City Policies

A recent House Judiciary Committee hearing on sanctuary city policies erupted in a heated argument between Representatives Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md. The two clashed over differing perspectives on tragic deaths involving illegal immigrants and anti-ICE protesters.

During the session, Lawler criticized some colleagues for their perceived indifference toward the deaths of Laken Riley and Sheridan Gorman. Both women were allegedly killed by illegal immigrants. In contrast, he pointed out the vocal outrage expressed over the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, anti-ICE protesters shot by federal agents in Minnesota earlier this year.

So while some of my colleagues may not want to hear the truth, the same outrage you feel about Renee Good and Alex Pretti, you should feel about Sheridan Gorman and Laken Riley and every Angel family in this country, said Lawler.

The disagreement escalated when Raskin, a staunch supporter of sanctuary policies, shot back at Lawler’s accusations, denying any lack of outrage. Lawler replied, criticizing Raskin’s support for sanctuary jurisdictions and expressing that Raskin should be ashamed.

The heated exchange continued with Raskin questioning Lawler’s empathy for Good and Pretti, pressing him about his committee membership.

Lawler referenced his op-ed in the New York Times, where he described the deaths of Good and Pretti as tragic and preventable. He called for a reassessment of current enforcement tactics used by federal agents.

Raskin has been vocal in advocating for sanctuary policies. He believes these policies protect individuals from federal immigration overreach and maintains that local police should not enforce federal immigration laws, viewing such actions as unconstitutional.