Democrats Choose Illegals Over Citizens – On Camera

Democrats exposed their true priorities during President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address when many refused to stand after being asked whether they agreed the government’s first duty is to protect American citizens over illegal aliens.

Story Snapshot

President Trump challenged Democrats to stand if they believed protecting American citizens should come before illegal aliens; many remained seated
Democratic lawmakers invited suspected illegal immigrants and ICE detainees as State of the Union guests, drawing sharp criticism from DHS
Public polling shows 73% of Americans support deporting criminal illegal aliens, exposing a massive disconnect between Democrats and voters
Democrats have reversed their party’s historical stance on immigration enforcement, abandoning the aggressive deportation policies of Clinton and Obama

Democrats Refuse to Prioritize American Citizens

President Trump presented Democrats with a straightforward question during his 2026 State of the Union address: do you agree that the government’s first duty is to protect American citizens over illegal aliens? The response was telling. Many Democratic lawmakers remained seated, refusing to affirm this basic principle of governance. This moment crystallized the stark divide between the Trump administration’s America First agenda and the Democratic Party’s shifting priorities on immigration. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer later defended his colleagues’ decision not to stand, though the optics delivered a powerful message to Americans watching nationwide.

Controversial Guest List Draws DHS Condemnation

The controversy deepened when Democrats invited suspected illegal immigrants and ICE detainees as their State of the Union guests. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia brought Marimar Martinez, while Rep. Seth Moulton hosted Marcelo Gomes da Silva, both involved with ICE cases. Sen. Chuck Schumer invited the mother of a Venezuelan immigrant, and Sen. Richard Durbin hosted a DREAMer. The Department of Homeland Security issued a scathing statement, accusing Democrats of “putting illegal aliens above Americans” and facilitating the evasion of serious criminals including pedophiles and rapists. Rep. Garcia defended his guest’s “courage” while criticizing DHS for “cowardice,” showcasing the fundamental disagreement over who deserves priority.

Historic Reversal from Clinton-Obama Immigration Policies

The Democratic Party’s current stance represents a dramatic departure from its own recent history. President Bill Clinton deported 850,000 illegal aliens and emphasized border security in his 1995 State of the Union address. President Barack Obama oversaw more than 3 million deportations, calling undocumented workers accountable and setting enforcement records. Even President George W. Bush authorized over 2 million removals. By contrast, the Biden administration’s deportations dropped to just 540,000. Former DHS advisor Charles Marino identified this shift as party-wide abandonment of immigration law enforcement, a reversal that began with Biden and now defines Democratic policy. Democrats are actively coordinating efforts to block Trump’s mass deportation campaign targeting criminal illegal aliens.

American Voters Overwhelmingly Support Enforcement

Polling data reveals Democrats are wildly out of step with American voters on immigration enforcement. The White House reported that 73% of Americans support deporting criminal illegal aliens, with 67% backing local law enforcement cooperation with ICE. These numbers cross party lines and demonstrate broad consensus that public safety should take priority. Additionally, 58% of Americans reject calls to defund ICE, despite such proposals gaining traction among progressive Democrats. Trump’s deportation push targets individuals released under Biden-era policies that granted millions of illegal aliens notices to appear rather than immediate removal. The president has also championed Dalilah’s Law to bar driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, further aligning his policies with public sentiment.

The State of the Union moment encapsulates a fundamental question facing America: should the government prioritize protecting its citizens or advocating for those who entered illegally? Democrats’ refusal to stand, combined with their symbolic guest invitations, signals their answer. This stance undermines the rule of law and constitutional duty to secure borders and protect American communities. With public opinion firmly supporting enforcement and criminal deportations, Democrats risk cementing their reputation as the party that puts illegal aliens before hardworking American families who deserve safe neighborhoods and secure borders.