A Heated Debate Over Sanctuary City Policies Unfolds During House Judiciary Committee Hearing

During a recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, tensions ran high between Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md. The focus was on sanctuary city policies, which led to accusations about insensitivity to American deaths related to illegal immigration or fatalities involving anti-ICE protesters.

The Controversy

Mike Lawler criticized his colleagues for what he saw as a lack of concern regarding the deaths of two women, Laken Riley and Sheridan Gorman, allegedly killed by illegal immigrants. He compared this with their vocal reactions to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, anti-ICE protesters shot by federal agents in Minnesota.

“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,” Lawler said.

Conflict Intensifies

Jamie Raskin responded heatedly, claiming to feel the same outrage. Lawler countered, accusing Raskin of supporting sanctuary jurisdictions and calling him a disgrace. Raskin, in turn, suggested Lawler had no place on the committee.

Lawler referenced his New York Times op-ed, expressing concern over the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. He argued that forceful operations by ICE and CBP in communities were ineffective and required reassessment. Family members of Sheridan Gorman appeared on “The Story” to discuss their experiences.

Sanctuary Policy Defense

Jamie Raskin has defended sanctuary policies, asserting they shield illegal aliens, including those arrested for crimes, from federal immigration authorities. He contests federal overreach, arguing that local police enforcement of federal immigration laws breaches constitutional limits.