Rep. Jasmine Crockett Addresses Protests Over ICE Shooting
Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas has issued a stark warning: unless the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents responsible for a deadly shooting in Minneapolis are identified and held accountable, protests will emerge nationwide. She described the incident as a “state-sanctioned execution,” arguing that both Republicans and the administration have been turning a blind eye to misconduct that leads to fatalities.
During a heated House Judiciary Committee hearing focused on bail reform, tensions escalated as Democrats expressed their dissatisfaction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the shooting of a woman by an ICE officer just a day earlier. Crockett intensified her critique, stating that an absence of justice would lead to widespread unrest, proclaiming, “Unless some justice is done… there will be protests across this country.”
Her remarks were part of a contentious partisan exchange within the committee, which debated the issues of public safety and bail reform. Democrats pressed Homeland Security officials for clarity regarding the shooting and the identities of those involved, emphasizing the urgency for transparency.
“Simply put, we sit in the judiciary and at this point, no one on the other side of the aisle seems to care… this particular person whose name we don’t even know has become judge, jury, and executioner,” Crockett criticized, questioning the apparent indifference of Republican lawmakers. “I don’t know how to square that.”
Crockett also expressed frustration over the Republican party’s attempts to downplay the incident while reducing federal law enforcement oversight, which she believes undermines accountability. She argued that law enforcement should be held to the same legal standards as civilians in cases of fatal force.
Getting emotional, Crockett remarked, “A child lost his mother and you all want to pretend it’s okay.” She urged her colleagues to remember their responsibility to the constituents who elected them.
Her sentiments echoed throughout the hearing, as she highlighted the profound impact of the shooting on the victims’ families. Crockett urged lawmakers to prioritize accountability above political agendas. Quoting a past response to a different tragedy, she asked rhetorically, “Do you remember how we responded?”
Moreover, she raised concerns about whether officers would face consequences when deadly force is involved. “I have a badge, so is that okay?” she questioned. “Because last I checked, they say no one is above the law. Can’t you all have a little courage and humanity?”
Crockett later referenced criticism from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who condemned the role of ICE following the shooting, although the investigation remains ongoing.
During a news conference, Frey described the claim that the officer acted in self-defense as “bull—-” and demanded that ICE remove the involved officer from Minneapolis. In response to the uproar, Crockett stated, “The mayor of Minneapolis told you to solve this problem, yet it is you, this administration, that is bringing crime to the streets.”
Her comments elicited backlash from Republican lawmakers, who expressed disdain for the tone used during the hearing. Rep. Eric Swalwell humorously questioned the sensitivity of one colleague’s ears amidst the heated discussions, indicating just how charged the atmosphere was.
The hearing concluded with ongoing tensions related to immigration and public safety. As it stands, the DHS has not released the names of the officers involved in the shooting nor indicated if any disciplinary steps will be taken.
In a later CNN interview, Frey defended his comments, stating, “I’m really sorry if I hurt the ears of a Disney princess… but here’s the thing: If you’re talking about inflammatory things… killing someone is the most incendiary act.” He reiterated the need for honesty in addressing the issue at hand.
