In a recent statement, a Republican senator cautioned that what he termed “suicidal empathy” from Democrats towards immigrants could lead to significant harm to the country. This comment came as his proposal addressing sanctuary city policies found its way into a funding package designed to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Sen. Eric Schmidt from Missouri articulated that the Democratic Party’s stance on immigration seems to lean toward political self-interest rather than genuine moral concern. “There’s election drama here. It’s about raw power,” he pointed out in an interview.
His measures were integrated into a funding strategy approved by the House, allocating $350 million aimed at helping ICE detain illegal immigrants who have been let go from state or local custody. This initiative arises as various law enforcement entities in certain states and cities continue to resist collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Schmidt asserted that not deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes poses a broader threat to society. “Honestly, I think this is a very important moment for Western civilization,” he said. He emphasized the need for countries to determine who can enter and stay. The suggestion here is straightforward: if someone is in the country illegally and commits a violent crime, they should be sent back after serving their time in prison.
He explained how sanctuary cities often disregard federal immigration rules, refraining from coordinating with ICE regarding the deportation of criminal immigrants. “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s what happens,” he noted, estimating that there would be approximately 18,000 such cases in 2025.
Schmidt highlighted the risk to public safety when violent offenders are retained in communities. “These violent rapists and other violent criminals are just being left in the community,” he stated, asserting that being in the country illegally should be reason enough for deportation. He criticized sanctuary jurisdictions for absorbing these criminal immigrants back into society instead of facilitating their deportation, calling it a moral reversal.
His arguments come amid a broader debate over the funding proposal and follow alarming reports of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. For instance, members of a Venezuelan gang recently admitted to murdering two Americans.
In a disturbing incident, an undocumented immigrant in California appeared in court charged with killing a two-month-old child, grinning as the proceedings unfolded. Additionally, a man in Missouri was sentenced to 25 years for raping and impregnating a young girl.
Schmidt questioned the rationale behind the resistance to stricter enforcement of immigration laws. “I can’t explain why they wanted open borders,” he remarked, underscoring the issue of not deporting criminals or denaturalizing those involved in terrorist acts. Ultimately, he expressed a commitment to making the public safer, stating, “That’s our responsibility.” He questioned the current approach to arresting criminal illegal immigrants, suggesting that doing so post-release would be preferable and safer than conducting immigration raids.
“I can’t believe this hasn’t happened before,” he said, implying a stark opposition to political leaders denying the sovereignty of the nation. “They don’t really want federal immigration laws enforced, and I think the American people don’t either.”
