Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake has employed a militaristic tone when discussing the issue of illegal immigration from Mexico, which has seen a surge in numbers in recent months. Additionally, Lake has referred to individuals who were charged for their participation in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as “political prisoners.”
During a weekend interview with Maria Bartiromo, host of one of Fox News’ Sunday morning public affairs shows, Lake shared his comments.
Lake is widely regarded as the leading contender for the GOP nomination in the race for Arizona’s Senate seat. On the other hand, Rep. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, is considered the expected Democratic nominee. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who previously switched her party affiliation from Democratic to Independent, is contemplating a reelection campaign. If she decides to run, it would result in a remarkable three-way race.
The race is being closely observed as it is one of the few contests that could determine the political balance of the U.S. Senate.
During the Sunday morning interview, Lake characterized individuals who enter the U.S. unlawfully from Mexico as “a foreign army,” emphasizing that the U.S. is currently facing an “invasion.” Additionally, he questioned the notion that the majority of immigrants are families, asserting that most of them are men of fighting age.
The Pew Research Center reported that in 2021, approximately 52% of recent Hispanic immigrants were men, while 48% were women. Additionally, the human rights organization Washington Office on Latin America found that in 2022, 91% of Mexican migrants encountered by Customs and Border Patrol at the border were single adults.
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According to the Arizona Republic, Lake mentioned the continuous violence in Sasabe, Sonora, Mexico, where there has been a month-long conflict between rival criminal groups. As a result, asylum seekers from this border town have started waiting in Sasabe, Arizona, for the arrival of U.S. authorities to take them in.
In a recent video that made rounds last week, migrants were seen crossing through holes that had been cut in the border wall. This has become a common sight since the construction of the barrier by former President Donald Trump in 2019.
During the conversation, Bartiromo brought up the subject of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, expressing concern over the treatment of individuals who were not directly involved in the violent incident. Republicans like Lake have been framing the perpetrators as victims of biased prosecutors, despite overwhelming evidence and court rulings that prove otherwise.
Lake expressed his dismay at the unfortunate incident, describing it as one of the most unjust events in American history.
According to court papers, Edward Jacob Lang, who was identified by name, was captured in videos posted to social media. These videos showed him swinging a baseball bat at police officers, thrusting a riot shield towards them, and boasting online about his participation in the attack.
In a video streamed on Instagram, Lang expressed his perspective on the First Amendment, stating, “The First Amendment didn’t work, we pull out the Second.” He emphasized that while no one wants to sacrifice their life for their rights, it may be the only option that individuals with a logical mindset perceive at present.
In 2021, Lang faced a range of federal charges, including civil disorder, assaulting police officers, and trespassing on restricted grounds. His trial has been delayed as his appeal progresses through the Supreme Court, leaving Lake to express his frustration by stating that Lang is languishing behind bars.
In a somber tone, Lake concluded the interview, mirroring the language Trump had used to characterize his legal troubles: “It’s not really about me. It’s about you. I’m simply standing in the path.”
