In response to the report that a previously deported illegal immigrant has been charged with first-degree rape of a juvenile in Shelby County, Alabama Republican Party chairman Terry Lathan slammed Democrats, telling Yellowhammer News that they “are doing nothing to stop these illegal immigrants from harming our own people as well as placing our law enforcement officers in danger.”

In a statement, Lathan called on lawmakers to join President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure the southern border and overhaul immigration policy. She also reminded Alabamians that this is an issue that hits hard right here at home, referring to the crime allegedly committed by 27-year-old Amancio Betancourt Martinez.

“Here’s yet another illegal immigrant criminal reality that isn’t in some other state’s backyard, it’s in ours – and it’s heartbreaking as well as infuriating,” Lathan said.

She advised, “President Trump is trying to fix our broken immigration policy while the Democrats are doing nothing to stop these illegal immigrants from harming our own people as well as placing our law enforcement officers in danger. It is irresponsible to keep fighting the president on this issue for political gain and grandstanding.”

“By spending more time fighting for the rights of these lawbreakers than for our own citizens, the Democrat Party has again failed to put America first,” Lathan concluded. “The safety of our state and nation must be a priority, not the Democrats’ repeated coddling of criminal illegals in our country.”

Congressmen Mo Brooks (AL-5) and Bradley Byrne (AL-1), as well as Attorney General Steve Marshall, have also reacted to the charge against Martinez, calling for the border wall to be funded.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn