In a floor speech delivered on June 9, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter criticized Democrats’ approach to immigration and border security, arguing that their policies have put American citizens at risk.
Carter cited several high-profile cases in Georgia involving crimes committed by people who were in the country illegally, including the deaths of Savannah educator Linda Davis and Danny Sharpe, who was killed in Effingham County, as well as the murder of nursing student Laken Riley in Athens.
He said the victims’ deaths illustrate the consequences of what he called reckless immigration policies and urged Democrats to support stronger enforcement efforts and additional resources for federal immigration agencies.
“Madame Speaker, I rise today, infuriated by my Democratic colleagues who have put the safety and the security of American citizens last.
“First, they opened the border to millions of unvetted illegal immigrants; now, they have repeatedly refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agents, failing in the number one responsibility of elected officials: keeping our citizens safe.
“The consequences have been devastating for families.
“Take for instance, my district. Linda Davis, a beloved special education teacher at Hesse K-8 school in Savannah, was killed by an illegal immigrant who rammed into her while fleeing law enforcement.
“Danny Sharpe, a husband, a father, a son, he was killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving under the influence and without a license in Effingham County.
“And then of course, in the state of Georgia, Laken Riley, a bright nursing student, who was murdered while out for what should have been a pleasant jog in Athens.
“Linda Davis. Danny Sharpe. Laken Riley.
“These are real people, real people who should be with us today. Their families have experienced unimaginable pain because of these reckless politics.
“It’s time for Democrats to do the right thing.“
