Public officials who criticize ICE for targeting criminal illegal immigrants are being warned by federal officials that they are supporting the wrong side. Wilson Martell-LeBron, an undocumented immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was detained by ICE agents during his trial for making false statements and possessing forged documents. Despite attempts by the Suffolk DA and judge to have him returned to court, ICE arrested him mid-trial and brought him to a detention facility.
The judge dismissed the charges against Martell-LeBron due to prosecutorial misconduct and found the arresting ICE agent in contempt of court. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley emphasized that obstructing an immigration officer is a felony offense and a violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Democratic leaders who demonize ICE agents are misrepresenting the situation, as Martell-LeBron had a criminal history involving drug dealing and altering his fingerprints.
It is the responsibility of public leaders and law enforcement officials to uphold the law, even if they disagree with it. Allowing criminal illegal immigrants to remain in the country jeopardizes public safety, and impeding ICE’s efforts to enforce immigration laws is illegal. Equating legal immigrants with those who come to the U.S. illegally to commit crimes is misleading and dangerous.
