Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces Online Backlash Over Deportation Comments

AUSTIN, Texas — Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, is receiving significant backlash online after expressing sympathy for countries that might be impacted by mass deportations from the United States.

Crockett made her controversial remarks in a video posted to her 1.3 million Instagram followers, criticizing Republicans for voting against an amendment that would prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from detaining or deporting U.S. citizens. She described the actions as an infringement on civil rights.

“As far as I’m concerned, you randomly kidnapping folk and you throwing them out of the country against their civil rights, against their constitutional rights,” Crockett stated. She questioned how other countries might feel if they deported individuals to the U.S. without justification. Her comments have drawn criticism, particularly from conservative commentators.

Crockett was responding to Republican lawmakers who had just voted down the proposed amendment in a budget bill. This incident was highlighted as particularly distressing, given a recent case where a U.S. citizen child was deported with her noncitizen mother, as reported by Homeland Security.

Following her remarks, Crockett further stated, “They just voted to give Trump the legal ability to deport U.S. citizens. That is what they voted for.” Her comments came in conjunction with other progressives, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal from Washington, who echoed her concerns.

The backlash intensified when conservative figures, such as Rep. Mark Harris from North Carolina, remarked that countries had been “just throwing people randomly” into the U.S. for decades, implying a double standard in Crockett’s statements. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia added a humorous jab, calling Crockett a never-ending campaign ad.

Crockett’s remarks come at a time when Republicans in Congress are pushing for a budget plan that includes mass deportations and increased border security measures, aiming to remove as many as 1 million undocumented immigrants annually. Critics argue that these proposals could lead to significant issues in immigrant communities.

This isn’t the first time Crockett has faced criticism for her comments. Earlier this year, she referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is wheelchair-bound, as “Governor Hot Wheels,” a remark she claimed was misunderstood.

The ongoing discourse surrounding immigration policy and Croket’s remarks continue to highlight the divisions within U.S. politics as both parties prepare for a heated election season.