In the land of the free and the home of the brave—or so they say—it seems the Democratic leaders are now choosing some interesting hills to die on, none stranger than their extravagant defense of a certain Kilmar Abrego Garcia. This fellow isn’t just the charming next-door neighbor. According to various reports, he’s an MS-13 gang member, alleged human smuggler, and yes, he’s been living the illegal alien life. Yet, here come the Democrats, rushing to embrace him like he’s some kind of long-lost cousin. It’s heartwarming in a “what were they thinking?” kind of way.
For instance, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, apparently having run out of pressing issues in his own state, is contemplating boycotting El Salvador over Garcia’s detention. Never mind that this might be as impactful as boycotting pineapples for ruining pizza. Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is tearing at the fabric of American liberty with tales of fathers being whisked away into mysterious gulags. The only thing missing was a pack of wolves and a snowstorm. It’s made for fine drama but questionable politics.
But let’s take a step back and figure out why Democrats are going to bat for someone who, according to police reports, checks off all the boxes of a stereotypical gang member. The Democrats seem to be betting it all on the due process spin, a U-turn from their usual narrative of democracy under threat to now championing fair hearings for individuals like Garcia. Are they really imagining hordes of voters rallying under the “Rights for Gangsters” banner? If so, it might be time to adjust those prescription lenses; it’s going to be a tough sell to folks who can’t afford groceries but are expected to cheer for a gang member’s day in court.
One has to wonder how this aligns with the concerns of everyday Americans who are more worried about filling their gas tanks than defending potential gang members. The Democrats’ choice of champion here seems as mismatched as a penguin in the Sahara. They could have picked any number of hardworking immigrants to spotlight, but no, they gravitate towards pushing the narrative of redemption for reputationally challenged individuals.
Republicans, meanwhile, are having a field day watching this political circus unfold. “By all means, let’s focus on non-citizens accused of being in transnational gangs,” they seem to say, while the real issues like the economy and national security—areas where many Americans feel the pinch—remain on the back burner for the other side of the aisle. In a strategy that might rival the Greek tragedies in shortsightedness, Democrats are creating optics that the Republicans couldn’t have drawn up better themselves.
In summary, the Democrats’ latest endeavor displays a peculiar sense of priorities and a flair for the dramatic that would likely make Shakespeare proud, even if the plot’s a bit outlandish. While they’re busy crafting martyrdom narratives for gang-tied figures, the Republicans can rest easy—or at least amused. After all, if you’re defending the indefensible while voters are trying to navigate a shaky economy, you might just find yourself alienated, without the help of ICE this time.
