Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) found herself in the midst of controversy after mocking news coverage of a disturbing rape case involving an Ecuadorian migrant accused of assaulting a 13-year-old girl in a Queens park. During an interview on MSNBC’s “The Reidout,” Jayapal scoffed at the coverage provided by Fox News, claiming that it was fear-mongering.
The incident in question occurred on June 13, when Christian Geovanny Inga-Landi, 25, allegedly bound, gagged, and raped the young girl. Inga-Landi admitted to recording his heinous acts. While discussing President Biden’s executive order to extend permanent residency status to migrant spouses of US citizens who have lived in the country for at least 10 years, Jayapal dismissed the media’s coverage of the rape case.
Host Joy Reid presented the different banners used by cable news networks to report on the executive order. Jayapal and Reid focused on Fox News’ banner, which read, “Migrant arrested for raping 13-year-old New York City girl.” However, Reid inaccurately claimed that Fox News did not cover the executive order during their Tuesday broadcasts, which was later confirmed to be false by a representative from Fox News.
Homeland Security Committee chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) criticized Jayapal’s response, stating that it represented the callousness and heartlessness of many on the left who view the human devastation caused by the Biden administration’s open borders policy as collateral damage. Green emphasized the need for lawmakers to take the crisis seriously and acknowledge the fear experienced by many Americans due to the administration’s approach.
Inga-Landi illegally crossed the US-Mexico border into Eagle Pass, Texas, on June 25, 2021, and was subsequently released by Border Patrol. However, an immigration judge ordered him to leave the country in February 2022. Following the rape case, Judge Joanne B. Watters ordered Inga-Landi to be held without bail until his next court appearance on July 1, considering him a flight risk due to his limited ties to the US.
During the interview, Jayapal advocated for easier work opportunities for the millions of migrants who have entered the country illegally during the Biden administration. She also highlighted the White House’s talking point that the executive order would affect around 500,000 migrant spouses who have lived in the US for an average of 23 years. Additionally, Jayapal mentioned the estimated 50,000 non-citizen children in their care who would benefit from Biden’s executive action.
It is important to note that Jayapal’s remarks and the subsequent controversy surrounding them have sparked a debate about the media’s coverage of immigration issues and the prioritization of political narratives over the victims of crimes committed by migrants.
1 Response
It is deeply concerning and disappointing to see a congresswoman like Pramila Jayapal mocking news coverage of a serious and disturbing rape case. As elected officials, it is their responsibility to show empathy and support for victims of such heinous crimes, rather than making light of the situation. This kind of behavior undermines the seriousness of the issue and sends a wrong message to the public. It is crucial that our leaders approach sensitive topics with sensitivity and respect, and work towards creating a safer society for everyone