Congressman Robert Garcia Denounces Trump's Response to Fatal ICE Shooting
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia of California expressed profound dismay on Tuesday regarding comments made by former President Donald Trump about the death of Renee Good, a woman fatally shot by federal immigration agents earlier this month. During an appearance on MS NOW, Garcia posed a pointed question: "What is wrong with that man?" This query came in response to Trump's admission that he felt "even worse" about Good's killing upon learning her parents were ardent supporters of his.
Trump's Controversial Remarks on Fox News
Trump discussed the shootings of both Renee Good and Alex Pretti during a recent Fox News interview, describing each incident as "terrible." However, he notably emphasized that Good's parents were "tremendous Trump people, Trump fans," which he claimed made him feel particularly bad. Good was killed in Minneapolis when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, identified as Jonathan Ross, fired multiple shots into her car, which was partially blocking a road. Pretti was fatally shot while filming an altercation involving Border Patrol.
Initially, Trump falsely accused Good of attempting to run over the officer to justify her death. He later reversed his stance after discovering her family's political allegiance, stating he hoped her father "still feels that way" about him.
Garcia's Scathing Critique of Presidential Behavior
Garcia did not mince words in his assessment of Trump's comments. "Making this about him, always saying, now, more and more bizarre things — this is not a well person who should be the president of the United States," he asserted. Garcia characterized Trump's reaction to such tragedies as "sick" and insisted that "he's gotta be called out every single time." Expressing disbelief, Garcia added, "I just cannot believe that this is the person running our country right now."
Call for Accountability from Homeland Security Secretary
Garcia also directed criticism toward Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had baselessly labeled both Good and Pretti as perpetrators of "domestic terrorism" following their deaths. Garcia outlined three potential outcomes for Noem:
- She resigns voluntarily.
- She is fired by the president due to mounting pressure.
- She faces impeachment proceedings.
Garcia, a ranking member of the House oversight committee, indicated that his panel would play "a significant role" in any investigation, collaborating with judiciary and homeland security committees. He suggested that political dynamics might encourage Republican cooperation, noting that some GOP members represent districts won by Vice President Kamala Harris or lean Democratic.
"In this election, they're going to need independents and Democrats to try to scrape their way to reelection," Garcia explained. "So I think there is a real possibility that a united Democratic caucus around impeachment could work to pick up some Republican votes."
The congressman's remarks underscore ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement and political accountability, highlighting deep divisions in how leaders respond to incidents of violence involving federal agents.
