Columbia Standard

In a recent Senate floor speech, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expressed strong opposition to executive actions taken by President Donald Trump at the start of his second term. These actions include measures targeting immigrant communities, such as attempts to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children, suspending refugee resettlement, and reallocating military resources to the southern border.

Durbin criticized these moves stating, “There are certain things we all agree on, I believe. Number one, our border must be secure. And, number two, we should deport any dangerous individuals who are here illegally, period." He emphasized that the orders did not focus on criminals or unauthorized entrants but rather affected broader immigration policies like family reunification and refugee admissions.

Highlighting the role of immigrants in American society, Durbin remarked: "Immigrants have been a key part of America... They put food on our tables. They care for our kids. And they help care for our parents and grandparents." He called for solutions that offer stability to immigrants while protecting American interests.

Durbin also addressed President Trump's pardons related to participants in the January 6 Capitol insurrection. He recounted being present during the attack and condemned Trump's decision to pardon those involved: “The subsequent deaths of five of our law enforcement officers because of that mob and the injuries to approximately 140 others are a matter of fact.”

Specific individuals pardoned include David Dempsey and Shane Jenkins, both convicted for violent acts against police officers during the insurrection. Durbin questioned how these pardons align with claims of supporting 'law and order,' noting: "These law enforcement officers risk their lives for us—literally all of us."

Concluding his remarks, Durbin stressed gratitude towards law enforcement personnel: “We should stand by those who stand by us... Those who assaulted you were not just on a pleasant Capitol tour.”

Video footage and audio recordings of Senator Durbin’s remarks are available through various media outlets.