Rep. Brad Knott, a North Carolina congressman, is also a former federal prosecutor. Because of that legal background, which included sending a major drug kingpin to prison, the congressman told the “Washington Watch” program he picked up on the frequent theme of public safety.
“He spent a lot of time,” Knott recalled, “talking about crime and eliminating crime, creating safety in communities, talked about the National Guard being in certain places and, of course, national security.”
Knott told show host Tony Perkins one main issue that concerns him is so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions around the country.
Those cities and counties shield illegal immigrants from ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but the former prosecutor says it’s worse than a liberal mayor or city council showing sympathy for undocumented people.
“They're not just a passive exercise,” the former prosecutor argued. “They are active in the efforts that they take to protect criminals.”
That claim from the congressman, rather than some political talking point, is a well-documented fact.
One example is Marvin Morales-Hortez, a native of El Salvador, who was released from jail in Fairfax County, Virginia when local authorities ignored an ICE detainer. Morales-Hortez allegedly stabbed and killed a man the very next day, and the same authorities who had let him go charged him with second-degree murder.
In New York City, the Department of Homeland Security says local authorities there have released approximately 7,000 illegal immigrant criminals since 2025.
One example from that statistic is criminal suspect Miguel Mora-Nunez. DHS says he was released four times by the NYPD rather than honoring an ICE detainer. After his fourth release, Mora-Nunez now faces charges for allegedly shooting a Border Patrol agent during a robbery in a city park.
When those dangerous illegal aliens are released from custody, Rep. Knott said, crime flourishes and lawlessness is permitted.
“And the president is absolutely correct to say we are not going to tolerate that,” the GOP congressman said.
During his State of the Union address, President Trump attempted to shame Democrats with real-life stories related to illegal immigration.
One example was a 5-year-old child, Dalilah Coleman, who was seriously injured by an illegal alien who obtained a CDL to drive an 18-wheeler.
The second example in the STOTU speech was a 16-year-old, Lizbeth Medina. She was found dead by her mother after being stabbed to death by an illegal alien who broke into their home.
After citing those terrible examples, the president then reminded the American public Democrats in Congress are refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security. He then cleverly dared Democrats seated in front of him to demonstrate where they stand on protecting American citizens.
“If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens,” Trump stated.
Republican lawmakers jumped to their feet, clapping in support. Democrats, however, remained in their seats.
Not done with that clever stunt, the president delivered one of the most memorable - and controversial - comments in the lengthy address. “These people are crazy,” the president, pointing to the Democrats, bluntly stated. “I’m telling you: they’re crazy.”
“Public safety is the right that no one talks about,” Knott told the program. “Americans should be safe, whether we're in our homes or on the street.”
