A tense exchange between Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) and a migrant rights activist during a Senate hearing on the "Remain in Mexico" policy sparked a broader discussion about migrant crime and border security. Hawley confronted activist Adam Isacson, director of defense oversight at the Washington Office on Latin America, about Isacson's previous downplaying of migrant crime, specifically referencing the murder of Laken Riley, a nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant. Hawley argued that Riley's death, and other similar incidents, highlight a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Isacson maintained that while individual tragedies occur, migrant crime is statistically less prevalent than crime committed by U.S. citizens. Hawley countered that the impact of these crimes, particularly violent ones, is significant and cannot be dismissed. He referenced the Laken Riley Act, designed to detain illegal immigrants who commit crimes, and proposed an amendment to include cases like the death of Travis Wolfe, a 12-year-old killed in a car accident involving an illegal immigrant.
Isacson expressed concerns about the potential for misuse of the Laken Riley Act, suggesting that even minor offenses could lead to deportation. Following the hearing, immigration law expert Andrew Arthur echoed Hawley's sentiments, stating that the Senator was expressing the frustration many Americans feel about migrant crime. Arthur emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of citizens and legal residents, criticizing the Biden administration's border policies for releasing individuals who should have been detained. He advocated for stricter enforcement and the removal of criminal aliens.
Despite the contentious exchange, Arthur noted bipartisan agreement on the importance of border security. He emphasized the effectiveness of the "Remain in Mexico" policy during the Trump administration and warned that the influx of migrants enriches cartels and fuels drug trafficking.
