Lawler Criticizes Raskin During Immigration Hearing

During a House Judiciary Committee hearing on immigration policies on July 2, 2026, Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, criticized Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin for his lack of sympathy towards American victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. Lawler's comments came after Jessica Gorman, the mother of a murder victim, testified about her daughter's death, which Lawler attributed to sanctuary policies. Lawler stated, 'The reality is that they didn't want to hear it... their policies that they support contributed to her death.' The exchange escalated into a heated argument, with Raskin questioning Lawler's place on the committee and Lawler accusing Raskin of being more empathetic towards other victims of violence. Lawler emphasized the need for reforms to sanctuary policies, stating, 'Sheridan Gorman would still be alive, but for open borders, sanctuary policies and pro-criminal cashless bail policies.' Raskin has defended sanctuary policies, arguing that local police should not enforce federal immigration law.