CNN’s Brianna Keilar and Rep. Beth Van Duyne had a heated exchange over border security, with Van Duyne emphasizing the Biden administration’s neglect of border security and the influx of fentanyl.
Keilar countered by citing lower criminal conviction rates for illegal immigrants compared to native-born Americans in Texas.
“Enforcing our laws work. What we have seen is the exact opposite under this administration. And you have seen people dying,” Van Duyne said.
“If you won’t let me speak I’m going to cut the interview off” — Brianna Keiler to Rep. Beth Van Duyne as Keilar fact-checks her.
You can see why MAGA Republicans rarely stray from Fox and Newsmax. pic.twitter.com/2yg8zEj6xM
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 13, 2024
The discussion also touched on catch and release policies and a bipartisan Senate bill.
“First off, illegal immigrants’ criminal conviction rate is 45% below that of native-born Americans in your state, just to be clear. When you raise the specter of ‘they create so many crimes,’ they‘re convicted’ – I mean, when it comes to violent crimes, property crimes, homicides, sex crimes – you‘ve talked in the past about rapes. The numbers just don‘t support that,” Keilar said.
“So your argument is…” Van Duyne cut in.
“Let’s focus on catch and release,” Keilar said. “Can we focus on catch and release, because I do think–”
“You brought up the question. I just want to make sure we’re responding. It sounds like you’re defending – it sounds like you are defending those immigrants who are here illegally that were beating our police officers,” Keilar said.
Tensions escalated, prompting Keilar to threaten to cut off the interview, but it eventually continued with fewer interruptions.
“Ma’am, may I please speak… If you won’t let me speak, I’m going to cut the interview off. And I will let you speak in finished sentences. OK, and please give me that respect as well,” Keilar said.
“Thank you very much,” Van Duyne said.
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