As we approach tonight’s State of the Union address by Trump, many lawmakers – on both sides of the aisle – have suggested that they will bring recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, called “DREAMers,” to attend the speech.
A Republican lawmaker, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), has called on Capitol Police and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to arrest those immigrants in the country illegally attending the event.
Today, Congressman Paul Gosar contacted the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as Attorney General Jeff Sessions, asking they consider checking identification of all attending the State of the Union address and arresting any illegal aliens in attendance.
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) January 30, 2018
Additionally, Congressman Gosar asked that they arrest those using fraudulent social security numbers and identification to pass through security.
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) January 30, 2018
“Of all the places where the Rule of Law needs to be enforced, it should be in the hallowed halls of Congress. Any illegal aliens attempting to go through security, under any pretext of invitation or otherwise, should be arrested and deported," said Congressman Gosar.
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) January 30, 2018
Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ), from Gosar’s own state, duly spoke out against his party’s colleague for his virulently inhumane suggestion.
This is why we can’t have nice things… https://t.co/2vLHDFvFgq
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) January 30, 2018
While Flake’s response is decidedly tame and rather unremarkable, the underlying principle – that Gosar deserves rebuke – remains.
Flake has been outspoken in his opposition to his party’s newfound hardline stance against immigration, although the Arizona Senator has voted with Trump nearly 90 percent of the time. If he wants to grandstand, Flake could perhaps consider making sure his actions match his words.
