Mackenzie Demands McClinton Apology Over 9/11 Remark as Border Encounters Drop 76.5%
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 16
Mackenzie Demands McClinton Apology Over 9/11 Remark as Border Encounters Drop 76.5%
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 16
Summary
Ryan Mackenzie called on Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton to apologize after she suggested Trump’s immigration crackdown could damage America’s image and invite 9/11-like retaliation.
McClinton made the remarks at a panel on America’s 250th anniversary, saying the federal government’s treatment of migrants had been “heartless” and warning U.S. policies affect global perceptions.
Mackenzie said her comments attacked border security rather than public safety, and he urged other Democrats — including his congressional opponent Bob Brooks — to condemn the rhetoric.
Border encounters fell from 144,000 in December 2024 to 33,800 in July 2026, a 76.5% drop that Republicans cite as evidence Trump’s tougher enforcement is working.
The clash underscores a broader Democratic dilemma: criticizing aggressive immigration enforcement even as illegal crossings have fallen sharply under Trump.