A Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting speaker sparked backlash Monday after suggesting that migrant crime and carjackings “don’t matter to that many Americans,” urging Democrats not to adopt President Donald Trump’s tough-on-crime rhetoric heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Insha Rahman, vice president for advocacy and partnerships at the progressive Vera Institute of Justice, addressed DNC members during a strategy session, downplaying concerns about violent crime tied to migrants and carjackings. Instead, she encouraged Democrats to focus on issues such as mental health, homelessness, and criminal justice reform.
During a presentation on crime at the DNC’s summer meeting, a lady from left-wing think tank the Vera Institute tells them that “migrant crime and carjackings are things that don’t matter to many Americans.” pic.twitter.com/5c0qkCPm7O
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 25, 2025
“You want to talk about the crime issues voters care about,” Rahman said, pointing to polling conducted by Vera’s political arm that ranks gun violence (36%), homelessness and public drug use (34%), and muggings or assaults (34%) as Americans’ top safety concerns. Migrant crime and carjackings ranked lower, at 28% and 29%, respectively.
“Where does Trump go?” she asked rhetorically. “Migrant crime, carjackings, the really lurid, awful stuff that is a crazy, crazy visual. Don’t take the bait,” she advised. “Most Americans are more worried about how we address mental health issues, visible homelessness, and the drivers behind the random incidents that scare all of us.”
Later in the meeting, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, a longtime progressive figure and the city’s first Black woman mayor, made headlines by touting Oakland’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“Oakland is not afraid. We embrace all residents, including our immigrant communities,” Lee said. “Our police do not cooperate with ICE. We don’t.”
The comments come amid growing scrutiny of sanctuary policies in cities like Oakland, Chicago, and New York, where migrants have been tied to a spike in violent crime and property offenses.
Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) delivered a fiery and, at times, rambling speech that directly targeted Republicans and President Trump.
“Think of how easy it would be to be a damn Republican,” Walz exclaimed. “‘What should I wear today? This stupid frickin’ red hat. What should I say today? I don’t know, just make sure it’s cruel. Who do we listen to? That guy!?’”
Gov. Tim Walz shouts incoherently about Trump at the DNC’s summer meeting in Minneapolis:
“May his fat ankles find something today.”
“Petty as hell!” pic.twitter.com/ugWgqlpKhx
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) August 25, 2025
Walz also praised Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “She would have been a fantastic president.”
In the backdrop of Monday’s session, The New York Times reported that the DNC made a private “handshake deal” with former Vice President Kamala Harris to pay off her staggering $20.5 million campaign debt after her landslide defeat in the 2024 election.
In exchange, Harris reportedly promised to raise funds for the party to help recoup the costs. Federal Election Commission records confirm the DNC has paid numerous six-figure invoices tied to her campaign — including payments to pollsters, event production firms, consultants, and charter airlines.
NEWSOM SIGNS REDISTRICTING BILLS, TAKES FIGHT OVER CONGRESSIONAL MAP TO VOTERS
Adding to the optics, Harris is now preparing to launch her book tour in September, promoting her forthcoming memoir, which reflects on her 2024 campaign and political journey. While billed as a personal and inspirational story, critics argue the timing is politically tone-deaf amid financial strain and infighting within the party.
The DNC’s summer gathering revealed the party’s messaging as the 2026 midterm elections are fast approaching.