In the last few days, the Trump Administration (specifically, the Department of Homeland Security) has stated plainly that arresting Democrats for protests is “definitely on the table”.
Interestingly enough, I actually agree with the underlying premise behind this concept. If someone is breaking the law in a manner consistent with an arrest being the appropriate outcome, they should be arrested. It should not matter who they are. However, please note from the article above, that members of congress have the legal right to unannounced oversight of ICE facilities.
I want to highlight the difference in media around this incident. Look at the headlines, the order various statements appear, and how they are discussed.
Axios:
Trump DHS eyes arrests for House Democrats over New Jersey ICE incident
Fox News:
DHS says ‘arrests are still on the table’ after New Jersey House Dems storm ICE facility | Fox News
Newsweek:
Trump Admin Says ‘Definitely on the Table’ to Arrest Democrats Over Protest – Newsweek
What did you notice?
I would also like to call attention to how this was discussed in the context of the January 6th rioter who was killed, Ashli Babbitt.
Here is an article that talks about Donald Trump’s comments about her in 2003: Trump splits with McCarthy on Babbitt’s death: ‘I totally disagree’.
She was attempting to climb over barriers to reach the chambers of Congress. There is video evidence of her death. I do not recommend watching.
If the Trump Department of Justice thinks the people in New Jersey were storming an ICE facility, why did they agree to a settlement with Ashli Babbitt’s family?
I do want to add that I truly feel sorry for her and her family. I sincerely doubt she was led down this path by people with good intentions.
DHS Spokesperson: More Dem arrests are ‘on the table’ after ICE facility scrum – POLITICO
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/10/trump-ice-arrest-house-democrats-new-jersey
https://www.newsweek.com/trump-administration-threatens-democratic-lawmakers-ice-protests-2070578
Trump splits with McCarthy on Babbitt’s death: ‘I totally disagree’
Videos show shooting of Ashli Babbitt during Capitol siege
US reaches settlement in Ashli Babbitt wrongful death lawsuit | AP News
Leave a Reply