President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address erupted into a fiery confrontation Tuesday night after he directly challenged Democratic lawmakers to stand in support of prioritizing American citizens over illegal aliens, prompting shouting from members across the aisle.
The clash unfolded after Trump asked lawmakers to publicly affirm what he described as a basic responsibility of government.
“If you agree with the statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” the president said.
Republicans quickly rose in applause. Most Democrats, however, remained seated.
After the chamber quieted, Trump rebuked them.
“Isn’t that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself, not standing up,” he said.
The exchange escalated immediately.
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) shouted back, “You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) also yelled that Trump should be ashamed.
Other Democrats shouted, “You killed Alex,” referring to Minnesota ICU nurse Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by immigration enforcement personnel in Minneapolis on Jan. 24.
Trump continued speaking over the protests, shifting to sanctuary jurisdictions.
“I’m also asking you to end deadly sanctuary cities that protect criminals and enact serious penalties for public officials who block the removal of criminal aliens, in many cases, drug lords, murderers all over our country,” he said. “They’re blocking the removal of these people out of our country, and you should be ashamed of yourself.”
Immigration enforcement has remained central to Trump’s agenda, with the administration arguing that border security failures have led to preventable crimes.
Republican lawmakers have frequently pointed to high-profile cases involving individuals in the country illegally to underscore their position.
Among those cited is Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student whose killing intensified debate over border policy.
Lawmakers have also referenced Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old Texas girl whose death renewed calls for stricter enforcement, as well as Kate Steinle, whose 2015 shooting in San Francisco became a focal point in arguments over sanctuary city laws.
Supporters of tougher enforcement contend that such cases demonstrate the need for stronger removal policies and penalties for local officials who resist federal immigration cooperation.
Democrats, meanwhile, have argued that enforcement actions themselves can result in harm and have rejected broad claims that illegal aliens are disproportionately responsible for violent crime.
The evening had already seen disruption before the immigration exchange.
Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber after holding a sign in the aisle reading “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” ahead of the president’s remarks, according to Just the News.
Outside the chamber, Trump adviser Stephen Miller weighed in on social media.
“The immortal visual of the entire Democrat party—upon explicit repeated invitation—refusing to stand for the core moral principle that US government owes its allegiance to US citizens and not foreign criminal invaders, is the most shocking image in the history of the US Congress,” Miller wrote on X, according to the Washington Examiner.
The confrontation underscored the deep partisan divide over immigration policy.
What began as a call for lawmakers to stand in agreement over protecting American citizens evolved into one of the most dramatic moments of the address, highlighting the ongoing battle over border enforcement and sanctuary policies.
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