Lawler and Raskin clash in hearing on sanctuary cities

A House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on sanctuary city policies erupted into a chaotic shouting match on Tuesday, June 30, as Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York and Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland accused each other of hypocrisy and indifference over the deaths of American citizens.

The confrontation occurred during a hearing on jurisdictions that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Lawler, appearing as a guest to introduce a witness, used his time to deliver a lengthy statement condemning such policies. He detailed the case of Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old college student from his state who was killed in Chicago on March 19. Lawler argued the accused killer, a Venezuelan national without legal status, could have been deported prior to the shooting and blamed sanctuary policies for preventing his removal.

Democratic committee members, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, repeatedly interrupted Lawler, asserting he was making a political speech rather than simply introducing his witness, Jessica Gorman, the victim’s mother. Lawler responded that sharing the details of the death was integral to the introduction.