Minnesota State Wire

Pete Stauber, U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 8th District, said that Democrats in Congress are more concerned about the deportation of an MS-13 gang member than the deaths of Americans such as Laken Riley and Rachel Morin. The statement was made on X on April 16.

"Democrats in Congress are more upset over the deportation of an illegal immigrant who is an MS-13 gang member than they ever were over the deaths of innocent Americans like Laken Riley or Rachel Morin," said Stauber. "This should show you their true values."

According to the BBC, MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a violent criminal gang that originated in Los Angeles and has spread across the U.S. and Central America. U.S. federal authorities classify it as one of the most dangerous transnational gangs, responsible for brutal crimes including murder and human trafficking. In 2017, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions directed federal prosecutors to prioritize cases against MS-13 as part of a national crackdown.

CNN reported that Laken Riley was a 22-year-old nursing student at Augusta University in Georgia who was killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February 2024. Her death drew national attention after an undocumented immigrant was arrested and charged with her murder, becoming a focal point in debates over immigration policy and public safety.

According to USA Today, Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five from Maryland, was found dead on a hiking trail in Harford County in August 2023. In April 2025, authorities charged a suspect with her murder after linking DNA evidence from the crime scene to a man with a history of violent offenses. The case attracted national attention due to the cross-border investigation and public safety concerns.

Stauber has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2019. A former Duluth police officer and St. Louis County commissioner, he serves on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He has been a vocal advocate for law enforcement and stricter immigration policies.