Key facts
- Rep. Mike Lawler is campaigning on immigration in a suburban Hudson Valley district.
- Lawler criticizes Democratic "sanctuary" policies and President Trump's immigration enforcement.
- Lawler stated "sanctuary jurisdictions should not exist" and "criminals should be deported."
- ICE operations in Kansas caused disruptions to businesses and schools.
- Sen. Roger Marshall criticized ICE for a lack of communication with local law enforcement.
- The "Dignity Act" faces opposition from hardline Republicans despite bipartisan support.
Rep. Mike Lawler, a vulnerable Republican in a suburban Hudson Valley district, is making immigration a central theme of his re-election campaign. He is simultaneously criticizing Democratic "sanctuary" policies and the immigration enforcement tactics employed during the Trump administration. Lawler stated that "sanctuary jurisdictions should not exist" and that "criminals should be deported," while also acknowledging the need for ICE reforms.
Lawler's approach is a gamble in a district that voted for Kamala Harris in the last presidential election. His race against Democratic challenger Cait Conley is seen as potentially influential in determining House control.
Meanwhile, other Republicans are facing challenges as ICE operations gain local attention. In Kansas, ICE activity led to business closures and school disruptions, prompting Sen. Roger Marshall to express concerns about communication with local law enforcement. The party is also internally divided over the bipartisan "Dignity Act," which aims to balance border security with immigration reform, including pathways for "Dreamers." While some Republicans support the bill, hardline conservatives criticize it as "amnesty."