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Democratic Representative Delia Ramirez from Illinois faced backlash on social media after stating that her pride as a Guatemalan surpasses her pride as an American.
At the second annual Panamerican Congress in Mexico City, Ramirez declared in Spanish, “I’m a proud Guatemalan before I’m an American.”
The comment sparked outrage on social media, particularly among conservatives who criticized the congresswoman’s allegiance.
Senator Mike Lee from Utah questioned, “Are you comfortable with this?”
Actor James Woods responded with, “Well, okay then. Hasta la vista…”
Representative Claudia Tenney from New York expressed her disapproval, stating, “Imagine saying that while serving in the U.S. Congress. The Democrat Party no longer even pretends to put America first. Embarrassing.”
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk emphasized, “Any person who values any other country over America does not belong in Congress. Period.”
Furthermore, Fox News contributor Jonathan Turley remarked, “The anger over Ramirez is not about how she defines herself, but about what it is to be an American. It is a shared identity, an article of faith that defines us all.”
The Department of Homeland Security also weighed in on the issue, quoting former President Theodore Roosevelt and emphasizing loyalty to the United States.
Gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy from Ohio stated, “Shocking to hear a member of Congress openly state her loyalty to another country. If your primary allegiance is to a different nation, then you shouldn’t be allowed to make laws that bind Americans. That’s not controversial, it’s obvious.”
Conservative commentator Matt Walsh called for drastic action, suggesting, “She should be arrested, denaturalized, and deported. It shouldn’t even be controversial to say this. It’s obviously what should happen in cases like this.”
Ramirez, who serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security, criticized the U.S. for its actions and priorities.
On her website, Ramirez, the child of immigrant parents, highlighted her advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform and the rights of DREAMers, including her husband who is in the country illegally.
In response to the backlash, Ramirez defended her comments, emphasizing that honoring her Guatemalan heritage strengthens her commitment to America.
She stated, “Honoring my Guatemalan ancestry only strengthens my commitment to America. That is the truth I carry with me always. And it is a truth that many Americans carry with them.”
“Anyone who denies our claim on this country simply because we dare to honor our diverse heritage and immigrant roots only exposes how fragile and small-minded their own idea of America really is.”
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Louis Casiano.
