By SUZANNE DOWNING
Sen. Lisa Murkowski inserted herself into the national immigration debate Wednesday with a statement responding to video footage circulating from Minneapolis, calling for an investigation, policy changes, and a reassessment of immigration enforcement practices—before investigators have publicly established what happened.
In a written statement, Murkowski said the videos she had seen were “deeply disturbing” and urged a “thorough and objective investigation” with “full cooperation from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, along with the local authorities.” She also called for political rhetoric to be toned down and suggested that increased immigration enforcement has led to heightened tensions nationwide.
Murkowski went further, framing the incident as a basis for needed changes to federal immigration policy. She said immigration enforcement activities “have greatly increased,” and added that officers must have the training and resources to carry out their duties “safely—and with empathy and respect for human life.” As part of what she described as an investigation still to come, she said she was calling for “recommendations and policy changes to help prevent future tragedies,” concluding that the events shown in the videos “cannot happen again.”
The statement drew immediate praise from prominent Democrats, reinforcing Murkowski’s frequent role as a Republican voice aligned with Democratic messaging on national issues. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar thanked Murkowski publicly on X, writing that Murkowski had spoken “with clarity and compassion” and emphasizing the need for “full transparency and accountability,” adding that Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension should be involved.
Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith echoed the sentiment, also thanking Murkowski and stressing that Minnesota authorities must take part in any investigation.
Murkowski’s comments were notable not only for their timing, coming before an official investigative record has been established, but also for their tone toward federal immigration enforcement. While stopping short of directly condemning officers, her language pointed toward criticism of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, suggesting that current enforcement levels and practices are contributing to dangerous outcomes and should be reexamined.
The coordinated response from Democratic senators underscored how closely Murkowski’s framing mirrors Democratic talking points on immigration and federal law enforcement. As in past controversies, Murkowski positioned herself early in the public debate, staking out a posture that anticipates policy changes and oversight demands even as investigators are still determining the basic facts of the case.
Notably, Sen. Murkowski has never uttered a word about the killing by Capitol Police of Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt in the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
9 thoughts on “Murkowski inserts herself into immigration enforcement debate”
Please… Lisa, just go away!
Quoting Murkowski: “Blah, blah, blah”
I read Lisa’s full statement on X. She made no mention of Renee Nicole Good’s connection to radical anti-ICE activists, or the many politicians and public officials who have openly encouraged people to physically interfere with immigration enforcement activities. I believe the woman was actually a victim, not of law enforcement officers, but of those on the left encouraging this kind of direct physical interference.
Lisa’s people very well know that far more democrats in Alaska support her than conservatives of any stripe. It’s why they are fighting so viciously to keep RCV.
Hear hear! 👂
Oh Lisa! How about a “thorough and objective” deep investigation into all things Murkowski?
You have not benefited Alaskans.
Stay in your own lane.
Speaking of self-licking ice cream cone. The leftists have brainwashed, trained, and weaponized people to further their agenda. These people put themselves in situations, at the instruction of their leaders, that will provide further propaganda for their machine. It is absolutely horrendous that elected representatives are using people as cannon fodder to further their political agenda.
If this crazy mixed up broad had run over and killed the ICE officer the left wing nuts would have celebrated his passing.
What would Murky and her 30 (thirty!) dIMOCRAP staffers said then…..,,,,,,,,,…Crickets.
Addressing the tidal wave of illegal immigration enabled and supported by Joseph Robinette Biden and the Left is probably a critical moment for Western civilization. Massive immigration has destabilized and compromised the United States, Canada and all of Europe. With the exception of some from Latin America, it is abundantly clear that these illegal immigrants have no interest in integrating with existing cultures and demand massive public services and support. They contribute little. Senator Murkowski is wrong if she believes that a majority of Americans support the massive illegal immigration that has occurred. Individuals interfering with immigration enforcement do so at great risk. Many more that are interfering and obstructing should be arrested and prosecuted.
“recommendations and policy changes to help prevent future tragedies,” Like changing state and municipal laws that disallow those authorities from cooperating with federal authorities? Nah, probably not.
urged a “thorough and objective investigation” with “full cooperation from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, along with the local authorities.” No kidding Lisa. Will you request the state’s two senators demand those local authorities cooperate? They certainly have shown no such proclivity to date.
Princess: why don’t you hold your trap shut and await any word from ppl on the enforcement side of the conversation…. Things are not always as they seem.