Blood on Their Hands: Georgia Congressman Says Democratic Border Policies Caused Teacher’s Death
By Brian Freeman | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 09:58 AM EST
Rep. Buddy Carter, a Georgia Republican, said that four years of open border policies under the Biden administration and efforts to discourage cooperation with police have led to a deadly car crash that killed an elementary school teacher.
Carter appeared on “Wake Up America” Tuesday to address the incident, which occurred in his district. The collision involved an illegal migrant suspect who authorities say fled from Department of Homeland Security officers during a traffic stop, triggering a pursuit that ended in a fatal crash.
The victim was Linda Davis, a kindergarten through eighth-grade teacher at Hess Elementary School in the Savannah-Chatham public school system.
“It is a tragedy,” Carter said. “Again, here we lose one of our finest. She was a beloved teacher who was there helping students.”
Carter sharply criticized Democratic leaders over the incident, arguing that policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement have contributed to dangerous outcomes.
“She is a victim,” Carter stated. “She is a victim of … the Democrats having an open border for four years and again encouraging people not to cooperate with ICE. This is what happens. Now they’ve got blood on their hands.”
The congressman specifically named Senate Democratic leaders, accusing them of prioritizing illegal immigrants over public safety. He also referenced previous high-profile crimes in Georgia involving illegal immigrants, saying the crash was “another example of where innocent bystanders are impacted by the policies” of Democratic leadership.
Carter’s comments come as Congress remains locked in a standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding, with Carter arguing that efforts to withhold funding from DHS agencies, including ICE, undermine law enforcement operations and public safety.
Additionally, Carter reacted to breaking news about the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a longtime civil rights activist and political figure. “He was a great American,” Carter said. “I join our nation today in mourning for the loss of this great American and for celebrating his life.”
