The White House released a video on Friday featuring two mothers of women murdered in Harford County.
Tammy Nobles is the mother of Kayla Hamilton, who was raped and strangled to death in 2022.
Patty Morin, Rachel Morin’s mother, was killed in a similar brutal manner a year later.
Prosecutors say both women died at the hands of young men who entered the country illegally from El Salvador.
Walter Javier Martinez has since been sentenced to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to Hamilton’s murder.
Victor Martinez-Hernandez, Morin’s alleged killer, is scheduled to stand trial on April 1.
Their murders sparked a national immigration debate, which President Donald Trump highlighted in his 2024 campaign.
Since taking office last month, Trump has ordered a massive crackdown on illegal immigration, with ICE agents making thousands of arrests.
While Trump won the popular and electoral votes in the 2024 election on promises to deport undocumented migrants who have committed crimes, not everyone is pleased.
Selena Gomez, an actress and singer, recently posted a tearful social media video about Trump’s latest deportation efforts.
“I just want to say that I’m very sorry,” Gomez says in the now-viral video. “All my people are being attacked. “The children,” Gomez said.
In the White House video, Nobles responds to Gomez by saying, “You don’t know who you’re crying for, what about our children who were brutally murdered, raped, and beaten to death?”
“I just feel like it’s a ruse to deceive people and to garner sympathy for lawlessness,” Morin replied. “No one has stepped up except for us mothers to cry out about our children.”
The White House post has received 10 million views on X (formerly Twitter).
Kayla Hamilton, Jocelyn Nungaray, and Rachel Morin were murdered by illegal aliens.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2025
Their courageous mothers had something to say to @SelenaGomez and those who oppose securing our borders. Watch ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/KfsqQGwhqj
Many Maryland Democratic leaders have opposed Trump’s policies.
Attorney General Anthony Brown informed county, local, and state police of the “scope and limitations of their authority” when assisting with immigration enforcement.
Brown also suggested that officers could face “civil liability” if they honored immigration detainers, which ICE sometimes places on migrants already in custody for a variety of crimes that could lead to removal.
Despite several counties ignoring detainers last year, ICE reported arresting over 150 undocumented sex offenders in Maryland.
Brown issued similar instructions to medical facility employees who may encounter federal agents.
The State Department of Education also issued an employee memo outlining how to deal with ICE on school property.
When asked, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott denied that Charm City is a “sanctuary city,” instead referring to it as a “welcoming city,” while promising to keep police from questioning residents’ citizenship status.
Mayor Michael O’Connor of Frederick has vowed to use taxpayer funds to defend undocumented migrants, angering County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins.
Republican officials, such as Carroll and Harford County State’s Attorneys, have encouraged local cooperation.
A Gonzalez Poll conducted earlier this year found that 76 percent of Maryland residents agree.
Activist organizations promoting immigrant rights are lobbying for new Maryland laws that would prohibit ICE from entering places such as schools.
Although some people claim to have seen ICE outside schools, there have been no confirmed reports of any school raids.
FAQ
Who were Kayla Hamilton and Rachel Morin?
Kayla Hamilton and Rachel Morin were young women murdered in Harford County, Maryland, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Both cases involved suspects from El Salvador who entered the U.S. illegally.
What is the White House video about?
The White House released a video featuring the mothers of Kayla Hamilton and Rachel Morin, discussing their daughters’ tragic deaths and criticizing celebrity reactions to immigration policies.
How did Selena Gomez respond to Trump’s immigration policies?
Selena Gomez posted an emotional video criticizing Trump’s deportation efforts, expressing concern for immigrant communities and children affected by the crackdown.
What immigration policies has Trump implemented since taking office?
President Trump has ordered a massive crackdown on illegal immigration, including increased ICE arrests, targeting undocumented migrants with criminal records, and strengthening border enforcement.
How are Maryland leaders responding to Trump’s immigration policies?
Maryland’s Democratic leaders have opposed Trump’s policies, limiting local cooperation with ICE, while Republican officials have encouraged collaboration. Public opinion in Maryland largely supports ICE cooperation.
