Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant, delivered powerful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. She urged senators to prioritize border security, sharing her personal tragedy to highlight the devastating consequences of lax immigration enforcement.
Morin's daughter, a mother of five, was killed in Maryland in 2023. The suspect, Victor Martinez Hernandez, is an illegal immigrant who was also wanted for murder in El Salvador. Morin expressed her initial relief at the suspect's capture, which quickly turned to "horror and outrage" upon learning of his immigration status.
Morin's testimony came during a hearing chaired by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), which focused on the potential impact of President-elect Trump's proposed deportation policies. Durbin emphasized the need for "sensible solutions" to border control and a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents without serious criminal records.
In her written and oral testimony, Morin implored the committee to "hear our cries for help" and prioritize the safety of American citizens. She invoked the senators' oath of office, urging them to protect Americans by securing the borders.
Morin's daughter's case is one of several high-profile instances of Americans allegedly murdered by illegal immigrants during the Biden administration. These cases have fueled national debate surrounding immigration policy and border security. Morin's testimony provides a poignant human face to the ongoing discussion.
This hearing occurs as the incoming Trump administration prepares for increased deportations and further border fortification, including continued construction of the border wall.
