Democratic speaker claims migrant crime doesn't concern most Americans

At a recent Democratic National Committee meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, held in August 2025, Insha Rahman, vice president of advocacy at the Vera Institute of Justice, created controversy by claiming that issues like migrant crime and carjackings are not significant to most Americans. During the discussion on crime strategy, she urged party members to focus on more pressing issues instead of engaging in the Republican narrative surrounding crime. Rahman asserted that President Trump’s approach to crime-centric policies offers a political liability for Democrats and advised them not to allow Trump to take credit for any decreases in crime rates. The Vera Institute of Justice, known for advocating for criminal justice reform and the defunding of police, has been influential in shaping Democratic responses to crime and public safety concerns. The organization, which has a history of opposing traditional policing methods, emphasized the need to dismantle the existing police culture in the U.S. Rahman suggested that Democrats should switch the narrative and highlight positive community safety efforts made by their party without falling into scare tactics. The conversation also touched upon the broader context of immigrant crime statistics. An analysis by the Cato Institute showed that immigrants are statistically less likely to commit crimes compared to U.S.-born citizens and are also often victims of violent crime at lower rates. This data highlights a disconnect with the ongoing narrative favored by some political leaders and does not support claims regarding immigrant criminals. The backlash following Rahman's comments on social media reflects deep-seated divisions regarding immigration and crime. Her statements underscore the complexities within the Democratic Party as it navigates public perceptions and partisan rhetoric. While some Democrats emphasize safety and security for all communities, others call for a reassessment of how immigration and crime issues are discussed in political dialogue. The reactions to the meeting highlight a critical moment for the party as it prepares for future elections while attempting to balance calls for reform with the concerns of their constituents.