As a retired Navy SEAL and former Marine, I have always believed in the importance of leadership rooted in accountability, integrity, and a commitment to finding solutions. For years, Minnesotans have prided themselves on electing representatives who reflect their values, champion their interests, and work across the aisle to address pressing challenges. However, as U.S. Sen. Tina Smith’s seat is up for reelection this cycle, Minnesotans must understand the disservice she has done to our state by aligning with a radical agenda that prioritizes partisan ideology over pragmatic problem-solving.
One stark example of Sen. Smith’s unwillingness to represent the majority of Minnesotans is her vote against taking up the Laken Riley Act. This bipartisan legislation is named in honor of a 22-year old American nursing student, Laken Riley, who was brutally murdered by an illegal alien on the University of Georgia campus on Feb. 22, 2024. Riley’s killer, Jose Ibarra, had previously been cited for shoplifting by the Athens, Ga. Police Department. However, local law enforcement did not notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Laken Riley Act is designed to enhance protections for Americans by requiring ICE to issue detainers and take custody of illegal aliens who commit theft-related crimes. Additionally, the bill would allow state attorneys general to sue the Secretary of Homeland Security for injunctive relief if immigration policy failures harm that state or its citizens. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support and on Thursday last week in a 84 to 9 vote, the Senate voted to advance the bill, reflecting a shared understanding that protecting our communities is not a partisan issue but a moral imperative.
Yet, despite its broad support and evident benefits, Sen. Smith stood among a fringe group of just eight senators who voted against the bill. This was not a decision made in the best interests of Minnesotans but rather a move that underscores her alignment with a radical ideology that prioritizes political posturing over tangible results. It is worth noting that three of Minnesota’s Congresswomen, Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Betty McCollum, also voted against this critical legislation in the House, further illustrating a troubling pattern among Minnesota’s Democratic representatives.
As someone who has spent decades serving our nation, I understand the importance of clarity in leadership. Where a leader stands on issues often reveals their priorities, values, and approach to problem-solving. Unfortunately, Sen. Smith’s record demonstrates a pattern of opposing common-sense solutions that align with the will of the American people. The Laken Riley Act is just one example of her disconnect from Minnesotans. Despite widespread bipartisan support, Sen. Smith chose to stand apart, signaling her unwillingness to work collaboratively for the greater good.
This raises broader concerns about the Democratic Party’s approach to governance at both the state and national levels. Too often, their proposed solutions to pressing issues are ineffective and exacerbate the problems they aim to address. Whether public safety, economic stability, or education reform, radical policies driven by ideology rather than practicality yield outcomes that harm communities, stifle growth, and erode public trust. Minnesotans deserve leaders who prioritize effective solutions over ideological purity, leaders who are willing to listen to their constituents and work across the aisle to deliver results.
Take a moment to consider what this means for Minnesota. The Laken Riley Act’s broad support demonstrates that bipartisan collaboration is possible when leaders are committed to serving the people. By voting against its advancement, Sen. Smith rejected a well-crafted solution and disregarded the voices of the many Minnesotans who support the bill. This pattern of radical opposition is not just disappointing; it is a disservice to the state, and a betrayal of the trust voters place in their elected officials.
Accountability is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is time for Minnesotans to hold their leaders accountable. Sen. Smith’s failure to support the Laken Riley Act—and her broader pattern of partisanship—should be a wake-up call for voters. If we want change in our state and nation, we must demand more from our representatives. We need leaders who are willing to tackle challenges head-on, collaborate with others, and prioritize solutions over division.
Minnesota is a state built on values of hard work, community, and common sense. It is a place where people come together to solve problems and support one another. Unfortunately, Sen. Smith has demonstrated that she does not share these values.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not represent an official position of Alpha News.
Adam Schwarze
Adam Schwarze is a 21-year veteran and Navy SEAL who has served nine deployments in over 90 countries. He is a Minnesota native.
