Staff Reports
Democratic leaders appear to be entangling themselves in a convoluted web of priorities, as they rally behind Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a suspected MS-13 gang member. This is a curious choice, especially for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who is contemplating a boycott against El Salvador over Garcia’s detention. It seems like a move more symbolic than substantive, considering how little impact this could have. Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s rhetoric has taken on an alarmist tone, drawing improbable parallels between deportations and state-sanctioned gulags.
The Democratic position becomes even more perplexing under the light of recent confirmations from the Department of Homeland Security. Garcia was apprehended and directly associated with human smuggling and illegal entry into the country. Yet, Democrats appear anxious about the narrative voters might construct, seeing them as defenders of someone with ties to criminal activities over everyday citizens struggling to afford basic groceries. This scenario is not an ideal look for a party that’s apparently straining to prioritize non-citizens over citizens.
The idea that this is a strategic choice on the Democrats’ part verges on the absurd. The average voter, probably more concerned with tangible issues like the economy and public safety, must be bewildered by such a shift in focus. The Democratic National Committee might as well rebrand as the Defending Noncitizens Committee at this point. By emphasizing due process for someone like Garcia, the Democrats might think they’re championing a noble cause, but this stance is unlikely to win them any favor in the court of public opinion.
Let’s talk about Pritzker’s proposed boycott of El Salvador. It’s a politically grandiose gesture but likely ineffective, given that Illinois parting ways with El Salvador won’t exactly send ripples through the Salvadoran economy. It would be more impactful if Pritzker focused on advocating for policies that support exercise and diet for everyone—not just his boycott list. When due process is waved around like a magic wand, it might help to remember that illegal immigrants aren’t even entitled to the same legal luxuries as citizens.
Ultimately, the Democrats’ fixation on Garcia and similar cases highlights a staggering disconnect from what many Americans want from their leaders: solutions to pressing domestic issues. Their positioning is a misfire, fueled by misguided priorities and a stubborn commitment to optics over substance. With each new press conference and rally, they continue to provide more ammunition for critics to question their alignment with the hopes and challenges of everyday American voters.
