A stunning moment unfolded live on CNN on Tuesday when New York Attorney General Letitia James seemed to defend the shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent by a criminal illegal immigrant.
During a heated discussion with anchor Brianna Keilar, James faltered repeatedly when questioned about how Dominican national Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez — a previously deported felon — was permitted to move freely in New York City prior to shooting a border agent in the face.
Keilar recognized the distinction that many voters make, as indicated by polls, between undocumented migrants and those with criminal records, concerning which group should be prioritized for deportation. “Why should those voters believe that this is anything other than the system failing?” she inquired of the state’s chief law enforcement officer while implying that improved “coordination” with federal authorities might have resulted in Nunez’s earlier arrest. [see video below]
Initially, James sought to evade directly addressing the question. “At the beginning, I indicated to you that, in fact, New York state and other Democratic states collaborate with ICE regarding criminal convictions. However, when it pertains to innocent individuals — individuals who serve as your nanny, clean your home, individuals who are our neighbors, individuals who are simply trying to make ends meet,” she stated before Keilar interrupted her.
“But both of these individuals have numerous arrests following lawful deportation orders. Why are those not considered opportunities?” she pressed as James once again attempted to divert attention from the fact that New York City and New York state, in general, serve as sanctuaries for illegal immigrants.
“This is the reason why, regarding individuals, as you mentioned, those with criminal convictions in the state of New York…” she paused. “We then collaborate with ICE. However, it is crucial to draw a distinction” before reiterating her previous response.
“The individuals who are being abducted are undergoing civil deportation,” she remarked. “Innocent individuals are being ensnared in these ICE operations.” She subsequently criticized ICE for “agents, lacking any insignia or identification, abducting innocent people” — without acknowledging that Democratic lawmakers and politicians either demand agents to be publicly identified or have already done so, thereby endangering them and their families.
