GOP Lawmaker Demands Apology After Democrat Links Trump Immigration Policy to 9/11 Violence

Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie has called for an apology from Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton after she suggested that the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies could invite violence akin to the September 11th attacks. Mackenzie stated that McClinton was "totally wrong" and was speaking to "far-left radicals and globalists."

McClinton, speaking at a panel discussion on the 250th anniversary of American independence, expressed concern over the "brutality" of federal immigration policies. She remarked, "Thank God we have not had another attack," and added, "Thank God we haven’t seen another plane go down in Pennsylvania. But we also have to recognize that our policies are impacting our perception around the world."

Her comments drew sharp criticism from Mackenzie, who told Fox News Digital that McClinton used her platform to denounce efforts to secure the border and suggested that policies aimed at keeping the country safe could lead to another attack. He urged McClinton to apologize for her remarks.

McClinton, who became speaker of the Pennsylvania House in 2023, has previously criticized immigration enforcement. In a social media post earlier this year, she wrote, "Completely horrified by ICE agents so brutally hunting down, harming people every day – and now using deadly force!!!! God have mercy."

Mackenzie highlighted that McClinton's comments come at a time when illegal border crossings have reportedly fallen to historic lows under the Trump administration. Data cited indicates a significant reduction in encounters from December of the previous year to July of the current year. Mackenzie argued that Democrats like McClinton are ignoring this record and should instead focus on defending American citizens.

Mackenzie also called on other Democrats, including his congressional opponent, to condemn McClinton's rhetoric, stating that such language is inappropriate and pushed by leaders promoting a "radical agenda."