During Police Week, Durbin Calls Out The Hypocrisy Of Confirming President Trump’s Anti-Law Enforcement Nominees

May 14, 2026 During Police Week, Durbin Calls Out The Hypocrisy Of Confirming President Trump’s Anti-Law Enforcement Nominees Durbin also spoke out against Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting denouncing the Trump Administration’s anti-law enforcement nominees moving through the Senate during National Police Week. Durbin also called out the Trump Administration’s attacks on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects Dreamers from deportation and gives them the chance to contribute more fully to the nation they love. In his remarks, Durbin highlighted DACA recipient police officers who could lose their DACA status. During his opening, Durbin also spoke against Justin Smith, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Mr. Smith is one of several personal attorneys to President Trump who have been rewarded for their loyalty with lifetime nominations to the federal bench. Key Quotes: “Later today, the Senate will vote on a group of dozens of executive nominees—almost 50—under the partisan fast-track process that Senate Republicans put in place last year. This package of nominees includes several unqualified January 6 th apologists who were reported by this Committee’s majority despite the fact that they have disparaged law enforcement.” “For example, Wyoming U.S. Attorney nominee Darin Smith was on Capitol grounds on January 6… and made the reprehensible claim that the police officers who risked their lives that day were guilty of ‘massive incompetence.’ Phil Williams, nominated to be U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, called the prosecutions of January 6 rioters who attacked police officers, ‘the Salem witch trials on a national scale.’ There are videos—there is no question about what was happening here… Supporting nominees like this does not ‘back the blue.’” “Earlier this week, I convened a meeting to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to arrest and deport Dreamers. These are young immigrants who were brought to this country as children by their parents.” “They [Dreamers] have grown up here… pledging allegiance to our flag believing they were part of our future. They are an important part of America today and in the future. In 2012, at the request of myself and our late colleague, Republican Senator Richard Lugar, President Obama established Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals—known as DACA.” “They go through a complete criminal background check and then you’re given a chance to work in this country and not be deported. Who are these people? They are teachers, nurses, doctors, law enforcement, [and] they’re in our military. They are making America a better place. So, what’s happening to them now? Unfortunately, the promise we made to stand behind them is broken.” “This Administration is slow-walking DACA renewals so that Dreamers face deportation and [their] work authorization is expiring through no fault of their own… The Administration is also applying a so-called ‘processing hold’ on applications from DACA recipients from 39 countries… And, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued a decision that DACA status will no longer necessarily protect Dreamers from deportation.” “One of the witnesses at the meeting I convened was Robert Rodriguez, the Chief of Police for the Santa Ana Police Department. [Chief Rodriguez] was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and brought to the United States as an undocumented child. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he deployed numerous times and eventually obtained U.S. citizenship. Chief Rodriguez testified about the difficulties he faces in recruiting police officers.” “He has several DACA recipients on his police force who are serving honorably and helping to protect their community. But he has already had to lay off one of these officers who lost their status because of the Trump Administration [slow walking] issuing a DACA renewal status.” “This Committee has the authority, jurisdiction, and the responsibility to not just talk about Police Week but to do something about Police Week. Let’s do something about DACA. Let’s have a hearing. Let’s have a commitment on both sides that these young people should be given a chance.” “I’d like to say a word about one of the first nominees we’re going to consider. His name is Justin Smith. He is one of several personal attorneys to President Trump who have been rewarded for their loyalty with lifetime nominations to the federal court.” “Even today, Mr. Smith continues to represent the President as lead counsel in his cases against E. Jean Carroll, who has been awarded nearly $90 million in damages after juries found President Trump liable for sexual abuse.” “Apart from his representations of President Trump, Mr. Smith’s record shows he is too ideologically extreme. While working in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, he joined the baseless effort to challenge the results of the 2020 election.” “Mr. Smith also has extensive right-wing political affiliations and ties to dark-money entities. His record shows that he will continue to prioritize these issues over the cause of justice.” Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here . Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here . Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations. -30- Print Email Share Tweet