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Congressman Thanedar Clashes with Immigration Officials During Heated Oversight Hearing
Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan engaged in a heated exchange with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday, calling federal immigration officers “thugs” and suggesting officials might need presidential pardons for their actions.
The confrontation occurred during the committee’s oversight hearing focusing on the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration enforcement agencies: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Thanedar, who immigrated to the United States from India in the 1980s, directed sharp criticism at Scott, warning him: “You better hope you get pardoned because you will be held accountable for the absolute disregard of the law your agencies have shown over the past year.”
The congressman’s comments came after questioning Scott and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons about a recent incident in Minnesota where federal officers allegedly shot two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. When the officials consistently defended their officers’ actions, Thanedar’s frustration visibly escalated.
“I have heard and seen enough. I’m just sick and tired of your agents running around in our cities, in our streets, causing illegal activities,” Thanedar said, his voice rising. He accused immigration enforcement officers of “attacking our communities, using our children as bait, referring to people as bodies and numbers, targeting people for their accents and the color of their skin, and killing American citizens, all while showing zero remorse for their actions.”
The congressman then asked whether the officials believed President Trump would pardon them and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem “before he leaves office, just like he has for insurrectionists and his political allies.”
Scott rejected the premise of needing a pardon, responding, “I signed up for this job to protect America, and I’m very proud of the service that I provide, and I don’t need a pardon from anybody.”
Thanedar immediately countered, reiterating his warning that Scott “better hope” for a pardon because of what the congressman characterized as “absolute disregard of the law” by immigration enforcement agencies.
The exchange highlights growing tensions between progressive lawmakers and immigration officials amid heightened scrutiny of enforcement tactics. Thanedar referenced “millions taking to the streets” in protest of immigration agencies’ actions, suggesting a significant public backlash against current enforcement methods.
During the hearing, Thanedar also disclosed that he had introduced legislation to abolish ICE entirely, reflecting a position held by some progressive Democrats who view the agency as fundamentally flawed. He further mentioned co-sponsoring an impeachment resolution against Secretary Noem, stating, “I believe Kristi Noem must be impeached, and this Congress must do everything in its power to carry out oversight actions against these rogue departments.”
The dramatic confrontation was ultimately cut short when Committee Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) intervened, declaring that Thanedar’s time had expired and calling the hearing into recess.
This exchange comes amid broader national debates over immigration policy and enforcement methods, with Democrats and Republicans deeply divided on border security approaches. Immigration has remained a contentious political issue throughout the current administration, with enforcement tactics frequently criticized by civil liberties groups and progressive lawmakers.
For Secretary Noem and immigration officials, these congressional hearings represent a significant challenge as they defend their agencies’ actions while facing intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers. The controversy over specific enforcement incidents, particularly those involving alleged violence against civilians, has further inflamed an already polarized debate over immigration enforcement in America.
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12 Comments
This hearing highlights the delicate balance between immigration enforcement and upholding the law. It’s a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. Hopefully, the officials and Congressman can have a more constructive dialogue going forward.
I agree. There’s room for improvement in how these discussions are conducted, while still addressing the important issues at hand.
The comments about potential pardons for immigration officials are quite serious. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, the rule of law and accountability must be upheld. I hope the hearing leads to constructive solutions, not further escalation.
Well said. Upholding the law and ensuring proper oversight is crucial, but it must be done in a way that maintains civility and professionalism.
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While the Congressman’s concerns about immigration enforcement seem valid, calling officials ‘thugs’ may not be the most productive approach. Oversight is crucial, but civility is too.
That’s a fair point. Maintaining professional and constructive dialogue is important, even on contentious topics like immigration policy.
Interesting exchange between Congressman Thanedar and the immigration officials. It’s important to ensure proper oversight and accountability for federal agencies, but the language used could have been more constructive.
I agree, the tone seemed quite confrontational. Hopefully they can find a way to address the concerns in a more collaborative manner.
As an immigrant myself, I can understand Congressman Thanedar’s passion on this issue. However, the confrontational tone may not be the best way to achieve meaningful reforms or improvements.
Well said. Finding common ground and working collaboratively is often more effective than heated rhetoric, even on divisive topics.
The alleged incident in Minnesota regarding federal officers sounds concerning. I hope there is a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the facts and ensure appropriate accountability, if warranted.
Absolutely. Transparency and due process are essential, regardless of one’s views on immigration enforcement.