A heated exchange at a House hearing exposed cracks in the Democrats’ defense of sanctuary cities. Neill Franklin, a former Baltimore police officer testifying as a Democrat witness, froze when pressed by Republican Rep. Brad Knott about whether illegal immigration is lawful. Franklin stumbled through responses, failing to give a clear answer despite repeated questioning.
Republicans seized on the moment as proof that pro-immigration advocates can’t justify ignoring federal laws. They argued sanctuary policies protect criminals and put American families at risk. Franklin’s hesitation came during debates over bills that would punish cities refusing to cooperate with ICE.
GOP lawmakers highlighted cases like an illegal immigrant wrongly deported to El Salvador despite having no ties to the country. They accused Democrats of valuing illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens, citing overcrowded schools and rising crime in sanctuary cities like Chicago. Rep. Tom McClintock warned that releasing criminal immigrants back into neighborhoods makes communities less safe.
Democrats claimed Republicans are scapegoating immigrants for political gain. They argued local police shouldn’t act as immigration agents because it destroys trust with minority communities. But Franklin’s shaky performance undercut their message, with conservatives calling it evidence of flawed logic.
The clash comes as President Trump pushes record deportations and tighter border security. Over 100,000 migrants have been removed since he took office, with daily crossings dropping sharply. Republicans say these results prove strict enforcement works.
While Democrats accuse ICE of racial profiling, Republicans counter that public safety requires respecting immigration laws. They’re pushing legislation to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities, arguing taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize lawlessness.
Franklin’s struggle to defend the status quo handed conservatives a powerful soundbite. As cities like Baltimore grapple with high crime rates, Republicans argue it’s time to prioritize Americans’ safety over political correctness. This hearing showed the growing divide on an issue that could shape the 2026 midterms.
