Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D‑TX) accused the Trump administration of racially and culturally targeting people during a Thursday appearance on MS NOW’s Chris Jansing Reports. Crockett argued that recent federal enforcement actions, particularly those tied to immigration operations, reflect discriminatory intent rather than lawful policy.
Crockett said negotiations in the Senate should focus on empowering individuals and their attorneys, especially regarding legal rights and due process. She criticized the notion that agents would simply “follow the law,” noting that, in her view, many enforcement actions already violate existing legal protections. She called for reforms such as speedy trial timelines for detainees, which she said are currently lacking compared with other criminal justice procedures.
“I’m so tired of hearing their illegal, illegal, illegal,” Crockett said, referring to repeated claims that federal actions are unlawful. She recounted stories she’s heard from constituents and others who say individuals were complying with legal requirements, attending meetings or court appearances, only to be taken into custody unexpectedly. “They were, quote unquote, doing it the right way … and they were being hauled off,” she said.
Crockett then made a broader allegation about the administration’s motives, saying she believes federal enforcement has crossed a line into discriminatory practice. “Let’s be honest,” she said. “This administration has decided that it wants to target anybody who has a little bit of melanin in their skin, or target people simply because of an accent.”
Her remarks come amid intense national debate over immigration enforcement, federal authority, and civil rights protections. Crockett’s comments reflect concerns among some lawmakers that current operations disproportionately affect minority and immigrant communities, particularly those who may already face language barriers or cultural bias.
Supporters of stricter enforcement argue that federal action is necessary to uphold immigration laws and public safety, while critics like Crockett continue to press for greater oversight, transparency, and legal safeguards for individuals caught up in those operations.
