Washington, D.C. — During a contentious House hearing on immigration and border security Wednesday, Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) pushed back against Republican lawmakers highlighting crimes committed by undocumented immigrants — calling such incidents “exceptions, not the rule.”
Speaking at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement hearing, García criticized what he called efforts to “scapegoat immigrants once again.”
“Republicans have lifted up some tragedies that involve immigrants committing a few crimes,” García said. “This is the exception, not the rule. I live in an immigrant neighborhood in Chicago. I know what it’s like.”
His remarks drew sharp criticism from GOP lawmakers, who accused Democrats of downplaying the impact of illegal immigration on public safety.
One Republican witness, whose husband is a former police officer, claimed crimes by undocumented immigrants are often underreported, especially in sanctuary cities where local policies limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
National Debate Intensifies
The exchange underscores the growing national divide over immigration enforcement, as both parties prepare for high-stakes 2024 elections with border policy as a major issue.
Republicans continue to press the Biden administration on migrant-related crime and border security, while Democrats argue that most immigrants are law-abiding and that immigration reform is long overdue.
The hearing did not result in any legislative decisions but added fuel to the ongoing debate about the future of immigration enforcement in the U.S.
Do you think crimes committed by undocumented immigrants are underreported — or are they being exaggerated for political gain? Drop your thoughts below.