Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democratic Senator from Maryland, has been making headlines recently for his fervent efforts to repatriate an alleged MS-13 gang member. While his dedication to addressing the issue of gang violence is commendable, it raises troubling questions about the prioritization in the ongoing immigration debate. Why is there such urgency to deport one individual, yet silence for the countless innocent victims of gang violence?
The case in question involves a 19-year-old man who immigrated to the United States from El Salvador when he was 13 years old. He is now facing deportation back to his home country, where he is allegedly a member of the notorious MS-13 gang. Senator Van Hollen has been vocal in his support for the deportation, stating that “we cannot allow dangerous gang members to remain in our communities.”
While it is important to address the issue of gang violence and protect our communities, it is equally important to consider the bigger picture. The immigration debate has been a hot topic for years, with passionate arguments on both sides. However, the focus has often been on the individuals seeking to come to the United States, rather than the victims of their actions.
In this particular case, Senator Van Hollen’s urgency to deport one individual raises the question of why there is not the same level of urgency to address the countless innocent Americans who have been killed by illegal immigrants. According to a report by the Department of Justice, in 2018 alone, there were over 25,000 arrests of illegal immigrants for homicide. These are not just numbers, but real people whose lives were cut short by individuals who should not have been in the country in the first place.
One such victim was 21-year-old Sarah Root, who was killed by an illegal immigrant who was street racing while under the influence of alcohol. Her mother, Michelle Root, has been a vocal advocate for stricter immigration policies and has been calling for justice for her daughter’s death. Yet, where is the same level of urgency from Senator Van Hollen and other politicians in addressing these heartbreaking cases?
It is not just about the victims of gang violence or drunk driving accidents. It is also about the countless families who have been torn apart by illegal immigration. Families who have been separated for years, living in fear of deportation, and struggling to make ends meet. These are the individuals who are often forgotten in the heated debates about immigration.
Senator Van Hollen’s actions also raise concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of our immigration system. While it is important to address issues of gang violence and criminal activity, it is equally important to ensure that the system is fair and just. The case of the 19-year-old MS-13 member has been ongoing for years, with multiple appeals and delays. Yet, there are countless individuals who have been waiting in line for years to come to the United States legally, only to be met with roadblocks and bureaucratic red tape.
It is time for our politicians to prioritize the well-being and safety of all Americans, not just those who fit their political agendas. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the innocent victims of illegal immigration while focusing solely on the individuals who are here illegally. It is time for a comprehensive and fair approach to immigration reform that takes into account the well-being of all individuals involved.
In conclusion, Senator Van Hollen’s efforts to repatriate an alleged MS-13 member may be well-intentioned, but they raise troubling questions about the prioritization in the immigration debate. We must not forget the countless innocent victims of gang violence and illegal immigration, and we must work towards a fair and just immigration system that puts the well-being of all Americans first. Let us not forget the victims and their families, and let us work towards a better and safer future for all.
