Arizona Democrat Defends Calling ICE Detainees Her 'Constituents,' Cites Representation For Noncitizens

Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) defended referring to illegal immigrants in ICE custody as her "constituents," saying she represents everyone in her Phoenix district regardless of legal status and dismissing criticism from the right. GOP Rep. Pat Harrigan pushed back, arguing constituents are citizens and voters. The piece notes similar language by other Democrats in recent ICE facility protests and references Ansari’s prior advocacy in the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case alongside polling showing Republicans hold an advantage on immigration.