Florida Democrat Angie Nixon Claims GOP "Literally Trying To Kill" Black Americans
Center-RightRigor 5717 sources
The Story
Florida Democratic US Senate nominee Angie Nixon claimed Republicans were literally trying to kill us and characterized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a weaponized paramilitary force designed to terrorize people. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday rejected Nixon’s accusation, calling allegations of racial profiling disgusting, reckless and categorically FALSE. DHS stated immigration status, not race or ethnicity, determines who is targeted for enforcement. Nixon made the comments on the "QNA: Questions Need Answers" podcast earlier this month, days before winning Florida’s Democratic Senate primary. Nixon, a Florida state representative and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), described ICE enforcement as state-sanctioned violence. She has referred to ICE officers as "THUGS" and kidnappers, compared immigration detention facilities to modern day concentration camps, and advocated for abolishing the agency. Nixon also insinuated ICE agents might be shot in Florida, a stand your ground state. She stated, "They are going to racially profile us and they are going to escalate things and they are going to shoot and kill us." Nixon's primary victory over Alex Vindman, who outspent her, was described as a shocking upset. She joined the DSA in June, though the organization did not endorse her. Nixon has distanced herself from some DSA national program planks, rejecting abolishing the Senate, drafting a new constitution, and defunding the military. She stated she joined the DSA for its support of public housing, healthcare, helping homeless veterans, and removing big money from politics. Florida Democratic Party chair Nikki Fried reportedly clashed with Nixon over her socialist ties, with Fried warning that DSA membership could be used against her by Republicans. Nixon owns a cafe bookstore in Jacksonville called "Cafe Resistance," which she opened because freedoms were under attack and there were no places for us to be safely. Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, Nixon's general election opponent, attacked Nixon at a "Victory Rally," stating, "Angie Nixon wants the United States of America to look like Cuba." CNN's Harry Enten predicted a Republican victory in the Florida Senate race, noting Florida has become considerably more Republican.
The Spread
Right
What they agree on
- Florida Democratic US Senate nominee Angie Nixon claimed Republicans are "literally trying to kill" Black Americans and characterized ICE as a "weaponized paramilitary force."
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rejected Nixon's claims of racial profiling by ICE, stating immigration status determines enforcement targets.
- Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), won Florida's Democratic Senate primary in an upset victory over Alex Vindman.
- Nixon has publicly distanced herself from some DSA platform positions, including abolishing the Senate and defunding the military.
- Republicans, including incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody, are using Nixon's socialist ties to attack her campaign.
Where they split
- The New York Post and Fox News focus heavily on Nixon's controversial statements regarding Republicans and ICE, including direct quotes and DHS's rejection of her claims.
- Breitbart News provides extensive detail on Nixon's past statements and positions on ICE, including comparisons to "modern-day slave catchers" and "concentration camps," and her insinuations about ICE agents being shot.
- The Orlando Sentinel and The New York Times emphasize Nixon's primary victory as a "stunning" or "shocking upset" for Democrats in Florida, highlighting the political implications of her win.
- Common Dreams and The American Prospect frame Nixon's post-primary media appearances as her refusal to take "corporate media's bait" on DSA and Hasan Piker, instead focusing on her desire to discuss working Floridians' interests.
Source Perspectives
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