Democrats’ latest immigration demands are “dead on arrival,” arguing that if federal agents are being pressured to unmask and display identification, then protesters should be held to the same standard, Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., said on Thursday.
Appearing on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America” with co-hosts Marc Lotter and Sharla McBride, Fine weighed in as Congress remains deadlocked over funding for immigration enforcement and border security, with a Department of Homeland Security shutdown looming within days.
Democrats have proposed a list of demands that includes barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from wearing masks and requiring them to display identification.
Fine pushed back, saying the standards Democrats want to impose on ICE should apply across the board.
“If ICE agents can’t be masked, how about all these protesters who wear masks to hide who they are?” Fine said. “No masks. If ICE agents have to wear name badges, then protesters who are paid should have to disclose who pays them.”
Fine argued the demands reveal what he called Democrats’ true objective: protecting illegal migrants at the expense of American citizens.
He accused Democrats of repeatedly threatening government shutdowns to advance what he described as a push for amnesty.
“This can go both ways,” Fine said, adding that local governments should be required to cooperate with ICE by turning over criminal illegal migrants already in custody instead of obstructing enforcement.
The discussion also turned to voter ID laws, with Fine highlighting what he called a glaring contradiction.
Democrats, he noted, want immigration agents to prove who they are but strongly oppose requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls.
Fine criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s criticism of the SAVE (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility) Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote, calling claims that voter ID laws are discriminatory “the most racist argument I’ve ever heard.”
“The idea that minorities and women aren’t smart enough to get driver’s licenses is insane,” Fine said. “They should be offended by that.”
Fine said Republicans plan to push forward with legislation requiring photo ID for voting, with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., announcing a vote as soon as next week.
Fine challenged Democrats to explain their opposition to measures he said are common-sense election safeguards.
On immigration policy, Fine rejected proposals such as the so-called Dignity Act, which would offer legal status to certain long-term illegal migrants who pay back taxes and pass background checks. He was unequivocal in his stance.
“Every illegal immigrant needs to go home, without exception,” Fine said. “No amnesty. Deport them all.”
Fine concluded by arguing that the focus in Washington should shift away from what he called “special treatment” for those who broke U.S. law and back to protecting American citizens, securing the border, and enforcing existing immigration laws.
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