Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) sparked widespread backlash and drew condemnation from the White House after stating in Spanish, “I’m a proud Guatemalan before I’m an American,” during a summit in Mexico City over the weekend.
The remark immediately drew criticism and fueled accusations of divided loyalty.
Ramirez made the comments during the second annual Panamerican Congress, a far-left political summit that brought together progressive lawmakers from across the Americas.
The gathering featured several members of the so-called “Squad,” including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Summer Lee (D-PA), as well as Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) and Ramirez herself, according to Fox News.
The event was organized by individuals with ties to leftist activism.
One of the directors behind the summit has reportedly been linked to a group critics describe as anti-American, RedState reports.
During her speech, Ramirez accused the United States of being “addicted to war” and charged it with pursuing “imperialism, militarization, conquest, control, competition in its attempt at domination.”
Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators swiftly condemned her remarks.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) called for Ramirez to be stripped of her U.S. citizenship, deported, and removed from the House Homeland Security Committee.
Others echoed his demand online, urging Ramirez to resign or be expelled from Congress, The Gateway Pundit reports.
The White House also responded to the controversy.
“These Democrats’ comments are despicable and underscore their commitment to putting Americans last,” spokesperson Liz Huston told Fox News.
“In stark contrast, President Trump is working tirelessly to secure peace deals, deport illegal alien criminals, and advance America’s interests at home and abroad.”
Born in Chicago to Guatemalan parents, Ramirez often emphasizes her immigrant roots.
Her campaign biography notes that her mother crossed the U.S. border while pregnant with her.
According to her official website, she is the only member of Congress in a mixed-status marriage.
Her husband, Boris, is a DACA recipient, and Ramirez has positioned herself as a fierce advocate for DREAMers and comprehensive immigration reform.
The Daily Caller and RedState both independently confirmed Ramirez’s “proud Guatemalan” comment through Spanish-language analysis.
The confirmation added to mounting concerns among critics that some elected officials may prioritize foreign affiliations or ideologies over the interests of the United States.
Ramirez has long opposed strict immigration enforcement.
In a previous interview with Axios, she said, “I think we should be doubling down. I’m prepared to go to the detention centers in Indiana. If they’re going to arrest me, then so be it.”
Her presence at the Mexico City summit drew added scrutiny due to the event’s ideological focus and calls for international cooperation among leftist leaders.
While some progressive groups praised the summit as a symbol of cross-border solidarity, critics said it revealed a pattern of globalist priorities that could undermine U.S. sovereignty.
During her appearance, Ramirez described the summit as an opportunity to unite with “progressive legislators from across the continent – our neighbors and friends.”
Her remarks drew attention to the growing debate over how lawmakers balance advocacy for global causes with their responsibilities to U.S. constituents.
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