Defying Reality: Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett Declares Illegal Entry into U.S. ‘Not a Crime’

In a statement that has left legal experts and American citizens stunned, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, boldly claimed on MSNBC’s “The Katie Phang Show” that illegally entering the United States is “not a crime.” The shocking assertion flies in the face of federal law and raises serious questions about the radical left’s approach to immigration enforcement and national security.
Crockett’s remarks came as she attempted to defend the controversial policies of sanctuary cities, which have become hotbeds for criminal activity due to their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. In her effort to downplay the severity of illegal entry, Crockett claimed that those crossing the border unlawfully are merely committing a “civil violation” rather than an actual crime.
“They continue to say things like ‘the illegals’ and that they broke the law coming in. But what they’re not telling the American people is that it is a civil violation. It is not a criminal violation to enter the country illegally. It’s not. It’s not criminal. It’s not a crime. It’s not a crime.” – Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Contrary to her statements, federal law—specifically 8 U.S.C. § 1325—explicitly classifies improper entry into the U.S. as a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines and up to six months in prison for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face even steeper penalties, with up to two years behind bars. Furthermore, under 8 U.S.C. § 1326, illegal reentry after deportation can lead to severe criminal consequences, including a 20-year prison sentence for those with felony convictions.
A Dangerous Narrative?
Crockett’s remarks signal a disturbing trend within the radical left: a deliberate attempt to blur the lines between criminality and leniency, all while pushing for policies that undermine border security and national sovereignty. Her comments conveniently ignore the thousands of Americans who have been victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants, as well as the massive strain unchecked immigration places on public resources.
Her defense of sanctuary cities only adds fuel to the fire. These Democrat-led cities have gained notoriety for harboring individuals who have no legal right to remain in the country—some with extensive criminal records. Rather than prioritizing the safety of law-abiding citizens, Democrats like Crockett continue to advocate for policies that embolden lawbreakers while vilifying law enforcement officers who are sworn to uphold the law.
Attacking Trump to Deflect from the Truth
In a desperate attempt to shift the focus away from her legally flawed rhetoric, Crockett accused Republicans of hypocrisy for supporting immigration enforcement while standing behind former President Donald Trump. Taking her radical stance even further, she labeled Trump as “the biggest criminal” to ever serve in the White House, despite the former president’s steadfast commitment to upholding law and order.
“That’s why I wanted to point out, don’t give me this fake outrage about criminals roaming our streets when you guys stand 10 toes down for the biggest criminal that we have ever seen go into the White House.” – Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Such baseless accusations reflect the left’s ongoing obsession with targeting President Trump rather than addressing the serious policy failures that have led to the current border crisis. Under the Trump administration, illegal border crossings plummeted due to stringent immigration policies, increased border wall construction, and strong enforcement measures. Now, with Biden’s open-border policies and radical voices like Crockett leading the charge, America faces an unprecedented immigration disaster.
The Reality: A Nation at Risk
While the radical left continues its crusade to downplay illegal entry and demonize those who fight for border security, the American people are left to deal with the real consequences. Drug cartels, human trafficking, and violent criminals are exploiting the weaknesses in the system—all while Democrats like Crockett push dangerous misinformation that emboldens illegal activity.
President Trump’s administration proved that strong borders equal a strong America. The alternative, as demonstrated by the left’s reckless policies, is chaos. The question remains: how much longer can America afford to ignore reality?