Minnesota State Wire

Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th District, said congressional Democrats' reaction to the deportation of an MS-13 gang member reflects misplaced priorities compared to their response to the deaths of American citizens. The statement was made on X.

"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, Representative. "This should show you their true values."

In March 2025, Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador despite a U.S. Supreme Court order blocking his removal after the Trump administration labeled him an MS-13 member based on disputed evidence. According to Politico and Time, Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, condemned the deportation and traveled to El Salvador to demand his return, citing due process violations and executive overreach. El Salvador denied access to Garcia, sparking calls for legal transparency and proof of his well-being.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were over 1.4 million encounters with undocumented immigrants at the southern border in fiscal year 2024. While nationwide crime data on undocumented immigrants remains limited, high-profile cases such as the killings of Laken Riley in Georgia and Rachel Morin in Maryland—both allegedly involving undocumented suspects—have intensified scrutiny of current immigration policies. These cases have become flashpoints in national immigration debates.

The U.S. Department of Justice reported that between 2016 and 2020, it prosecuted about 749 MS-13 gang members, securing over 500 convictions, including 37 life sentences. Additionally, ICE’s Operation Matador led to more than 4,300 criminal arrests and nearly 3,000 civil immigration arrests of MS-13 affiliates. As noted by the DOJ, these enforcement efforts are part of broader strategies to dismantle violent transnational gangs and enhance public safety.

Stauber has served in Congress since 2019 and previously spent more than 20 years as a police officer. According to his official House biography, he survived two shooting incidents during his law enforcement career and has since prioritized public safety and immigration policy. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and has supported legislation such as the JUSTICE Act to enhance transparency and back law enforcement.