Mar 7, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Biden takes on GOP hecklers on immigration, defends border deal

Stef W. Kight

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) looks on as President Joe Biden arrives in the House chamber to deliver the annual State of the Union address — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) looks on as President Joe Biden arrives in the House chamber to deliver the annual State of the Union address. Photo: Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty Images

President Biden during his State of the Union address Thursday defended a failed bipartisan border bill, snapped back at hecklers and called out former President Trump for saying migrants "poison the blood of our country."

Why it matters: Biden went on offense on one of his most vulnerable political issues — and Republicans' favorite line of attack.

"We can fight about the border — or we can fix it. I'm ready to fix it. Send me the border bill now," Biden said during his Thursday night address.

What they're saying: During his remarks, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) shouted the name of a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant, Laken Riley.

Biden responded, referring to Riley as "an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal."
He held up a pin given to him by Greene as he entered the chamber, and then addressed Riley's parents.
"My heart goes out to you, having lost children myself," he said.

Zoom in: The president repeatedly referenced Trump — denouncing the former president for demonizing immigrants and taking action to derail a bipartisan border bill.

"I'm told my predecessor called Republicans in Congress and demanded they block the bill," Biden said. "He feels it would be a political win for me — and a political loser for him.
"And if my predecessor is watching, instead of playing politics, pressuring members of Congress to block the bill, join me in telling the Congress to pass it," he added.
"I will not demonize immigrants — saying they 'poison the blood of our country' — as he said in his own words."

Biden defended a bipartisan border deal that met a swift failure in the Senate because of objection by Republicans, egged on by Trump.

He shot back at hecklers, saying to "look at the facts" after he touted the bill's support from the Border Patrol union.

Between the lines: Biden and Democrats have struggled to find a winning message on immigration and the border. The failures of the bipartisan border deal has given them an oppening to go on attack.

Polls have repeatedly shown immigration to be one of the top concerns for American voters.

More from Axios:

Add Axios on Google

Biden takes on GOP hecklers on immigration, defends border deal

What to read next