Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) engaged in a shouting match during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on sanctuary-city policies [1].
The confrontation highlights the deep political divide over immigration enforcement and the role of local governments in cooperating with federal authorities.
The incident occurred on March 4, 2025 [2], at the Capitol Hill hearing room in Washington, D.C. [1]. The session featured testimony from family members of two victims, Renee Good and Alexi Pretti [1]. The lawmakers clashed over the political implications of these deaths and the impact of sanctuary policies on public safety.
During the exchange, Lawler accused Raskin of manipulating the tragedies for political gain. "You are politicizing the deaths of these families," Lawler said [2].
Raskin responded with a directive to his colleague. "Get the hell out," Raskin said [2].
The hearing focused on how sanctuary-city policies affect the ability of law enforcement to track or deport individuals. The two members traded insults while witnesses described the deaths of the two individuals [1]. The tension escalated as both representatives accused the other of exploiting the testimonies to further their respective political agendas.
The House Judiciary Committee continued the proceedings despite the disruption. The debate centered on whether sanctuary policies protect immigrant communities or create loopholes that allow violent crimes to go unpunished.
“"You are politicizing the deaths of these families."”
This confrontation reflects a broader trend of increasing volatility within congressional committee hearings. By centering the debate on specific victims, both parties are attempting to frame sanctuary-city policies as either a matter of humanitarian protection or a failure of public safety, turning legislative testimony into a battleground for national political narratives.
