Democrats: Lawbreakers Or Law Abiders?

There have been several instances where the actions of Democrats have been called into question, with some accusing them of breaking the law. One notable example is the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. While some Democrats have supported this bill, others have criticised it as a messaging bill that does not effectively address complex policy problems. Additionally, in New York, Democrats have been accused of yielding to lawbreakers by proposing a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses using foreign identification documents. This has sparked concerns about the authenticity and security of such documents. In other instances, Republicans have gained control of the legislative process in more states than Democrats, raising questions about the impact on law-making at the state level.

Democrats' willingness to follow the GOP's lead on illegal immigration

The Laken Riley Act, a bill named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by an undocumented immigrant in 2024, has gained support from Democrats. Forty-eight House Democrats voted to advance the Act, which is an illegal immigration crackdown, in January 2025. This is an increase from the 37 Democrats who backed the bill in March 2024. The Act would require the detention of any undocumented immigrant charged with theft or burglary.

The shift in the Democratic Party's stance on immigration may be due to a rightward national shift on border-related concerns. This shift helped give Republicans control of the White House and Senate. Democrats are also concerned about losing votes, as evidenced by the massive GOP gains on the presidential ticket in areas along the Rio Grande.

However, it is important to note that there are still ideological differences within the Democratic Party regarding immigration. Even those who supported the Laken Riley Act cited concerns that the bill could lead to more immigration detentions or sweep up DACA recipients. Overall, Democrats place greater importance on paths to legal status for those who entered the country illegally, especially those who entered as children.

Democrats' support for the Laken Riley Act

The Laken Riley Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) in the House and Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in the Senate, has gained some support from Democrats. The Act is named after 22-year-old Laken Riley, an Augusta University nursing student who was murdered by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant. Ibarra was found guilty of kidnapping, assaulting, and murdering Riley and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

The Act aims to address border enforcement and illegal immigration by requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain undocumented immigrants who have been charged with or arrested for theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. It also authorises states to take legal action against members of the federal government who fail to enforce immigration laws.

While the Act has primarily been supported by Republicans, a few Democrats have also shown their support. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the first Democrat to co-sponsor the bill, followed by Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona. In the House, 48 Democrats voted to advance the bill, including Reps. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, Joe Courtney of Connecticut, and Terri Sewell of Alabama.

The support for the Laken Riley Act among some Democrats reflects a shift in the party's stance on border enforcement and illegal immigration. It remains to be seen whether the Act will pass in the Senate, as it requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.

Democrats' yielding to lawbreakers

Democrats Yielding to Lawbreakers

In recent times, the Democratic Party has been accused of yielding to lawbreakers and even breaking the law themselves. This assertion has sparked debates and raised concerns among Americans. While some of these accusations may be politically motivated, it is essential to scrutinize the actions of elected officials to hold them accountable and ensure the integrity of our democratic institutions.

One of the most prominent accusations against the Democrats is their perceived softness on illegal immigration. In January 2025, 48 House Democrats voted to advance the Laken Riley Act, an illegal immigration crackdown bill. This shift indicates that some Democrats are moving in step with the electorate and embracing tougher enforcement measures. The Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant, would require the detention of any undocumented immigrant charged with theft or burglary. While Democrats previously denounced such bills as "messaging bills", the party's shift on this issue may be a response to voter concerns about border control.

Additionally, Democrats have been criticized for their handling of the 2020 presidential election and the subsequent events. Following Donald Trump's loss to Joe Biden, Trump made baseless claims of widespread electoral fraud and incited a mob to attack the United States Capitol, resulting in several deaths and injuries. While Trump and his supporters were ultimately unsuccessful in subverting the election results, the Democratic Party's response to these events has been criticized as inadequate. Some argue that Trump and his associates should have faced more significant consequences for their attempts to disrupt democracy.

Moreover, the Democratic Party has been accused of abandoning its progressive values and working-class priorities in the wake of electoral losses. After Vice President Kamala Harris's lackluster performance in the 2024 election, some Democrats suggested dropping labels like "progressive" and even running as independents. This strategy, they argue, could help the party reconnect with voters and win back support. However, others within the party disagree, believing that the Democrats need to double down on their values and better communicate their policies to the American people.

In conclusion, while the accusation of "breaking the law" may be overly simplistic, there are legitimate concerns about the Democratic Party's recent actions and strategic shifts. As the party navigates a challenging political landscape, it is crucial for Democrats to uphold the rule of law, defend democratic norms, and clearly articulate their vision for the country. Only then can they hope to regain the trust of the American people and effectively counter the Republican agenda.

Democrats' control of US state laws

As of January 1, 2024, Republicans control 28 state legislatures, while Democrats control 21, with Michigan and Pennsylvania having divided legislatures. This means that Republicans control 59% of state legislatures, while Democrats control 40%.

State laws can have a significant impact on people's lives, and with a divided Congress, state legislatures have taken on more importance, leading the way on issues such as gun rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change.

Democrats have been accused by Republicans of having a "soft-on-crime" agenda, with some sources claiming that defunding the police has led to an increase in crime in major U.S. cities. However, Democrats have also passed legislation aimed at building safer communities, such as the bipartisan "Invest to Protect Act" and the "Break the Cycle of Violence Act."

The Democratic Leader has also been accused of trying to "break the Senate" by taking control of elections in all 50 states and pushing through partisan legislation.

Despite the criticism, Democrats made gains in 2022, taking control of three more states and reducing Republican control by one state (Arizona). With 47 states holding elections in November 2024, the balance of power may shift once again.

Democrats' stance on driver's licenses for immigrants

The stance of Democrats on providing driver's licenses to immigrants has varied across states and over time. As of October 1, 2023, 19 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico allow some or all of the population residing without inspection in the United States to obtain driver's licenses or permits. These states include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

The laws and requirements to obtain a driver's license vary by state. In some states, applicants may need to provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN), while in others, such as California, an SSN is not required. California's AB 60 law, passed in 2013, allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license by providing proof of identity and residency, such as a passport, consular card, or rental agreement. They must also pass the standard driving tests and swear that they are ineligible for an SSN.

The stance of Democrats on this issue has been a subject of debate within the party. For example, in Texas, Democrat lawmakers have repeatedly filed legislation to allow individuals in the country illegally to obtain a Texas driver's license, citing increased safety, lower costs, and greater mobility. On the other hand, some Democrats, particularly those from Long Island, have opposed similar legislation in New York.

The granting of driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants has also faced opposition from Republicans and conservative groups, who argue that it incentivizes illegal immigration and poses a national security threat. Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., introduced the Red Light Act, which aims to "withhold federal highway funds from States that provide driver's licenses or identification cards to aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States."

Overall, the Democratic stance on driver's licenses for immigrants varies depending on the state and the specific legislation under consideration. While some Democrats support easing documentation requirements and providing access to driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, others have joined Republicans in opposing such measures.

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