Rep. Brandon Gill accuses Democrats of ignoring crimes by illegal immigrants after Maryland rape case

Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill denounced Democratic leaders for emphasizing an ICE officer's shooting of a Venezuelan rideshare driver in Austin while downplaying the arrest of Abdoulaye Dia, a Guinean illegal immigrant charged with kidnapping and raping a teenage passenger in Silver Spring, Maryland. Gill argued the left views such victims as "collateral damage" in their immigration agenda. Dia entered the United States in 2023 under the Biden administration and also faces a prior sexual-assault charge in New York City.

Democrats, including Rep. Greg Casar, condemned the Austin shooting and called for ICE to leave the city. Maryland Governor Wes Moore pledged aggressive action against violent criminals and stressed coordination with federal immigration authorities. Republican New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino echoed Gill's criticism, blaming Democratic policies for the perpetrator's presence.