Rep. Bayer Meets with Detained Individuals, Sparking Controversy

Representative Don Bayer (D-VA) has called for a meeting involving several undocumented individuals, including members of the 18th Avenue gang who have been convicted of various crimes.

During his visit to a detention center on August 8, Bayer claimed that 75% of the detainees are not criminals. However, representatives from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that approximately 66% of those held have unresolved criminal backgrounds or pending charges.

DHS further noted that Bayer expressed interest in speaking with Ricardo Hernandez Mendes, an 18th Street gang member, who has a lengthy criminal record that includes charges like assault, armed theft, and abduction.

In addition, Bayer met with Carlos Amaya, another individual linked to the MS-13 gang.

Other detainees he encountered included Dennis Hernandez Medina, who has been convicted of drug possession and distribution, and Kevin Mark Cash, known for reckless and drunk driving offenses.

“Rep. Bayer specifically asked to meet with drug traffickers and members of the 18th Avenue gang, as well as individuals convicted of DUI,” remarked DHS representative Tricia McLaughlin. She raised concerns about Bayer’s focus on meeting with “dangerous criminals” and questioned when he would speak to American victims of violent crimes committed by undocumented individuals.

Bayer reportedly stated that he does not support indiscriminate actions by ICE, emphasizing that America is a nation built on immigration and that “anyone without papers” should not be targeted indiscriminately.

He expressed a desire for law enforcement to effectively pinpoint those who pose a real threat, stating, “We want the bad guys. We hope ICE can distinguish between those they detain and those they deport.”