A House Judiciary Committee hearing on sanctuary city policies became heated as Representatives Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., exchanged sharp words. The confrontation centered on the deaths of Americans allegedly at the hands of illegal immigrants and cases involving federal agents and anti-ICE protesters.

During the discussion, Rep. Lawler criticized some colleagues for their perceived indifference to the deaths of Laken Riley and Sheridan Gorman. Both were women reportedly killed by illegal immigrants in separate incidents. Lawler contrasted this with their vocal reaction to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Good and Pretti were anti-ICE activists shot by federal agents during alleged interference with law enforcement in Minnesota.

“The outrage you express for Renee Good and Alex Pretti should also extend to Sheridan Gorman and Laken Riley and every Angel family in the United States,” Lawler stated.

The argument intensified when Raskin asserted, “I do feel that outrage. You do not.” Lawler countered that support for sanctuary jurisdictions demonstrated a lack of concern, accusing Raskin of being a disgrace.

Rep. Raskin, known for advocating sanctuary policies, argues they protect illegal aliens from federal immigration authorities. He asserts that compelling local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws violates constitutional principles.

Lawler’s opinion piece in The New York Times on January 27 addressed the deaths of Good and Pretti, highlighting the tragic and preventable nature of the incidents. He urged a re-evaluation of current immigration enforcement tactics by federal agencies operating in American communities.

The Gorman family, grieving Sheridan’s death, have appeared in media, pleading for measures to prevent similar tragedies. The hearing underscores the ongoing debate over sanctuary policies and their impact on both public safety and federal-local law enforcement dynamics.