Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) engaged in a shouting match during a House Judiciary Committee subcommittee hearing Tuesday [1].
The confrontation highlights the deepening partisan divide over immigration enforcement and the legal status of sanctuary city policies in the U.S.
The dispute occurred June 30, 2026 [1], on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. [4]. The subcommittee was convened to discuss the impact of sanctuary city policies, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Lawler called for the elimination of these policies, while Raskin defended them and criticized the rhetoric used by his colleague [2].
During the exchange, Lawler referenced several victims of crime to emphasize his position. "The same outrage you feel about Renee Good and Alexi Pretti you should feel about Sheridan Gorman and Laken Riley and every 'Angel Family' in this country," Lawler said [1].
The tension escalated until Raskin told Lawler to "get the hell out" [3]. Witnesses at the hearing said Raskin described the situation as a disgrace [3]. The shouting match disrupted the proceedings as the two lawmakers traded insults over their conflicting views on public safety and immigration law [4].
Lawler argued that sanctuary policies protect criminals and endanger citizens. Raskin countered by defending the policies and criticizing the approach taken by the Republican representative [2]. The hearing was intended to examine the legal frameworks of these cities, but the personal conflict between the two members became the focal point of the session [4].
“"The same outrage you feel about Renee Good and Alexi Pretti you should feel about Sheridan Gorman and Laken Riley"”
This confrontation reflects the broader legislative deadlock regarding immigration in the U.S. By centering the debate on specific victims and emotive language, lawmakers are shifting the focus from administrative policy to a high-stakes moral argument, making bipartisan compromise on sanctuary city legislation increasingly unlikely.
