Jasmine Crockett insists ‘it’s not a crime’ to illegally cross the border

Critics who wonder how U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett is a sitting member of Congress were handed more proof of her ignorance this past weekend.

In an interview on MSNBC’s “The Katie Phang Show,” the Texas Democrat insisted that illegal immigrants are not criminals and that despite federal law, illegal entry into the U.S. was “not a crime.”

“[Republicans] are so outraged by these immigrants and the crime that they’re bringing. And not to mention, city law enforcement, local law enforcement, they are always going after crime,” Crockett said in the interview.

(Video Credit: MSNBC)

“And they don’t say, ‘oh, you committed a murder, oh, but you’re an immigrant. Well, let me let you go.’ Right? So they are always focused on crime,” she continued.

“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,” the Democrat insisted.

“Which is why they’re so frustrated because they really want our local law enforcement to go out and round up people when they could be looking out for the murderers and the sexual abusers, as well as the robbers. They want them to go and round people up on civil accusations,” she added.

For added emphasis, Crockett had to throw in criticism of President Donald Trump.

“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,” she said.

Crockett’s ignorant take on illegal immigration was called out by readers on X, who quickly offered context.

“Illegally” being the operative word here.

— Bones (@CentennialJose) March 10, 2025

“It is not a criminal violation to enter the country illegally… It’s not a crime.” – Rep Jasmine Crockett pic.twitter.com/9tYYEvowlZ

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 9, 2025

It is indeed a crime. pic.twitter.com/n9h9NCLuL2

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 9, 2025

Others also weighed in on the Democrat’s ranting.

Jasmine Crockett being in Congress is the crime.

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) March 9, 2025

First of all someone needs to explain to her what the word “illegally” means.

Then she says we could be out chasing criminals and it’s the criminals in the jails the locals have been hiding from ICE.

— Keith Ainsworth (@AinsworthKeith) March 9, 2025

There need to be legit qualifications to be a member of Congress. Seriously.

— FlaDoggieLuver (@FlaDoggieLuver) March 10, 2025

Senior Staff Writer
[email protected]

Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.

Latest posts by Frieda Powers (see all)

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.