CHC CHAIR GONZALEZ STATEMENT ON REP. BROOKS’ EXTREME, ANTI-IMMIGRANT SPEECH

SAN ANTONIO: Today, Chairman Charles A. Gonzalez (TX 20) released a statement in response to the comments made by Congressman Mo Brooks (AL 5). On June 29, 2011, Congressman Brooks said that he would do “anything short of shooting them (undocumented immigrants).” Chairman Gonzalez condemns rhetoric rooted in anger and violence and urges that the discussion on immigration be based on a common desire for workable solutions:

“Rhetoric referencing acts of violence has no place in the discussion for realistic solutions to our country’s immigration problems. Words have consequences-- and Congressman Brooks chose irresponsible words that reflect a hateful, dehumanizing undercurrent in the discussion on immigration. In the interest of all Americans, it is necessary that such statements be repudiated and condemned.

“Of course, disagreements on policies can surely be expected, especially on a topic as important as immigration. But elected officials have a special responsibility to lead by example and not engage in destructive and hateful speech.

“The Congressional Hispanic Caucus urges our Republican colleagues to publicly repudiate Congressman Brooks’ comments.”