At today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) grilled witnesses about illegal immigration and deportation.

video script:

thanks Senator clar Senator Kennedy thank you Mr chairman uh Mr Arthur you are with the center for immigration studies is that right that’s correct Senator and that’s a nonpartisan think tank is it it is Sir okay um the border is an open bleeding wound isn’t it that’s a fair way to characterize what’s been going on for the last four years the southern border is chaotic by Design isn’t it yes it is uh I’ve been covering the border for three decades and yeah it’s pretty chaotic would it be fair to say that the broken Southern border is man-made it would be fair to say that sir based on policies that have been implemented and that man’s name is Joe Biden is isn’t it that would be a fair assessment yes Senator um um under President Biden if you wait in line for legal immigration you’re a chump aren’t you when you look at the benefits that have been given to people in the speed at which they’ve been released into the United States uh I would be shagrin if I were waiting you’re a chump aren’t you yes sir General yes sir believe in open borders don’t you I believe in the rule of law sir right and it makes you angry that President B that President Trump does not believe in open borders doesn’t it Senator I’m not here to discuss immigration policy I’m here to discuss whether or not we use the military to enforce it and it makes you angry that most Americans don’t believe in open borders doesn’t it not in the slightest sir again I am not here to discuss the immigration policy yeah duty honor respect you talked about that yes sir in your opening statement on uh October 14th of this year you went on CNN I want to read you what you said make sure I’m accurate here’s what you said president Trump is not like any sane leader I’m very proud of General Millie for saying that President Trump is a total fascist to Bob Woodward if he is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is calling the president of fascist I’m so proud of him for breaking that barrier the challenge is because most magga Republicans they don’t understand what fascism is the reality is that they are in fact fascists themselves did I read that accurate Senator I am happy to discuss my personal perspectives with you separately at any time that’s not the purpose of the hearing today did I read that accurately I believe so yes yeah you think you’re smarter than the American people don’t you absolutely not Senator I am here to discuss the use of the military as part of this Mass deportation you think you’re more virtuous than the American people don’t you General Senator I am insulted by your comment duty honor and respect you talked about that in your opening statement didn’t you yes sir um M Miss Moran said uh I wrote down her words she said by their actions you know what someone’s character is like you agree with that senator for 35 years I serve my country with absolute honor and distinction and I will continue to do so you agree with what Miss Moran said of course Mr got a few minutes left 23 seconds well actually you let uh Miss Kar go well over so I’m assuming you’ll extend me the same I give you the same minute I gave to her you gave it a minute 20 at of time you’re using I watch you like a hwk dick Mr Mel Mr Rin Melnick you believe in open borders too don’t you I do not Mr Kennedy okay um on November 1st 2022 you tweeted both Texas and Louisiana have their Knives Out for black immigrants you remember that tweet I don’t but it’s quite possible what Texans it’s not only possible at happened you’re not denying it are you no I’m I’m saying refer to the context don’t know the cont talking to in about uh who in Texas had their Knives Out for black immigrants um guessing the context but my suspicion is it has to do the Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Attorney General of you don’t have a name do you I I just said Ken Paxton you don’t have a name do you you just said it did I just said Ken Paxton all right how about uh Louisiana you said Louisiana has its Knives Out for black immigrants who in Louisiana were you talking about again I’m I’m not certain that was two years ago and as I’m sure you know much has happened in the last two years well did you say it again I I do not remember the context you said somebody had their Knives Out from Louisiana for black immigrants but you don’t know who they were you just said it um I said the Attorney General of Louisiana and Texas and I believe this referred to a specifically lawsuits brought and and arguments that were made in court that the arrival of Haitian inherently danger thank you very much Senator appreciate that the Attorney General at that time of Louisiana had his eyes Knives Out for black immigrants that’s your testimon yes Senator verono thank you Mr chairman