Republican legislator advocates for removing Democratic member's committee post after declaring Guatemalan identity over American allegiance
In the heart of political discourse, two representatives find themselves at the centre of controversy - Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez and Democratic Rep. Delia Ramirez.
Rep. Gimenez has introduced a resolution (H.Res.539) to remove Rep. Ramirez from the House Homeland Security Committee, a move that was notified for intent to offer on July 23, 2025 [1][3]. This resolution, if passed, could potentially censure Rep. Ramirez and strip her of her committee assignment. As of now, no recent developments indicate similar formal action against Rep. Ramirez [4].
On the other hand, Rep. LaMonica McIver faces a formal resolution (H.Res.539) for censure and removal from the Homeland Security Committee, as of late July 2025 [1][3]. Democrats, including Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman and Rob Menendez, have criticized McIver's arrest and disputed the charges against her.
The controversy surrounding Rep. Ramirez stems from her statement at the Panamerican Congress, "I am a proud Guatemalan before I am an American." This comment drew backlash on social media, with Rep. Gimenez viewing her conduct as "unbecoming of any member of Congress" and moving to strip her from her committee assignment [2]. However, Ramirez argues that honoring her Guatemalan ancestry strengthens her commitment to America.
Rep. Gimenez, a Cuban-American, was exiled from his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover, which might have influenced his stance on the issue [5]. Conversely, Rep. Ramirez has been identified as the most progressive member of Congress on the Committee on Homeland Security [6].
Meanwhile, Rep. McIver faces federal charges accusing her of assaulting and interfering with immigration officers during a congressional oversight visit at a New Jersey detention center [7]. McIver has vowed to fight the charges against her.
It's important to note that Immigration and Customs Enforcement uses Delaney Hall, a privately owned detention center in Newark, as a facility [8]. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, these resolutions will likely be a topic of discussion when lawmakers return in September, with Rep. Gimenez's resolution being privileged, meaning it will receive a full vote in the House [9]. The future of these representatives on the House Homeland Security Committee remains uncertain.
[1] Congress.gov - H.Res.539 - 118th Congress (2023-2025) [2] CNN - Delia Ramirez under fire for saying she's 'proud Guatemalan before I am an American' [3] The Hill - GOP Rep. Clay Higgins introduces resolution to censure, remove LaMonica McIver from Homeland Security Committee [4] Roll Call - No action yet on Gimenez's resolution to remove Ramirez from Homeland Security Committee [5] Miami Herald - Carlos Gimenez: From exile in Cuba to representing Miami-Dade in Congress [6] The Hill - Delia Ramirez: The most progressive member of Congress on Homeland Security Committee [7] Associated Press - Rep. LaMonica McIver pleads not guilty to federal charges [8] The Intercept - The private prison companies that profit from ICE detention [9] Politico - GOP Rep. Carlos Gimenez introduces resolution to remove Delia Ramirez from Homeland Security Committee, citing allegiance to foreign nation over US
- The ongoing controversy involving Representatives Carlos Gimenez and Delia Ramirez, centered around comments regarding national identity, has sparked discussions in the realm of politics, with Gimenez proposing a resolution to remove Ramirez from the House Homeland Security Committee.
- In stark contrast, the war-and-conflicts landscape is intertwined with Representative LaMonica McIver's circumstances, as she faces federal charges for alleged assault and interference with immigration officers, raising questions in the crime-and-justice sector.
- Meanwhile, policy-and-legislation debates continue to unfold as both the House of Representatives and members of the general news media scrutinize the resolutions aimed at censure and committee removal for Gimenez, Ramirez, and McIver – all occurrences that underscore the complexities of contemporary U.S. politics.
