A heated confrontation unfolded on Fox News Friday night as host Sean Hannity squared off with Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) in a volatile exchange over immigration enforcement, deportation policies, and the lawmaker’s refusal to stand for the families of crime victims.
The ‘Fox News’ Hannity interview, which quickly spiraled into a shouting match, centered on Thanedar’s staunch opposition to President Trump’s immigration crackdown and his recent move to file articles of impeachment against the President.
However, the conversation took a personal turn when Hannity pivoted to the Congressman’s behavior during a recent presidential address.
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‘You Sat on Your A**’
The most explosive moment came when Hannity questioned why Thanedar remained seated while others stood to honor the families of Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray—two young Americans killed by illegal immigrants—during a joint session speech.
“Did you stand? Did you give honor to that family that lost so much?” Hannity pressed.
When Thanedar replied that he did not stand because he believed the President was “using a tragedy” for political gain, Hannity unleashed a scathing rebuke.
“You sat on your a**!” Hannity shouted, cutting off the Michigan Democrat. “I want to be clear, you sat on your a**, and you wouldn’t stand for families that lost children… because you were playing politics?”
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Thanedar attempted to defend his position, arguing that he would not stand for a President he believes is violating the Constitution, but the host continued to hammer him on whether he had ever personally reached out to comfort any American families victimized by crimes involving illegal immigrants.
“Name one family,” Hannity demanded repeatedly. “Have you ever picked up a phone and called a victim’s family?”
Thanedar did not provide a specific name, instead pivoting to say he speaks with his constituents “all the time” who feel “terrorized by ICE.”
The ‘Murderer’ Label and ICE Controversy
The debate intensified as the topic shifted to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Thanedar, who has previously called for the abolition of the agency, defended his characterization of an ICE agent involved in a recent Minneapolis shooting as a “murderer.”
The incident in question involved a woman, Renee Good, who was shot after accelerating her vehicle toward an ICE agent. While Hannity described the agent’s actions as clear self-defense in the face of a “4,000-pound vehicle,” Thanedar insisted the agency is out of control. RELATED: New Graphic POV Video Released In Deadly Minneapolis ICE Shooting
“ICE is murdering people, murdering American citizens,” Thanedar alleged, claiming the woman was merely trying to drive away.
Hannity pushed back hard, accusing the Congressman of inciting violence against law enforcement with “incendiary comments” and ignoring the dangerous reality agents face. “I see a very different tape than you,” Hannity said. “I saw a guy whose life was in jeopardy.”
Sex Crimes Bill Vote
In another tense segment, Hannity grilled Thanedar on his voting record, specifically his “no” vote on a bill that would mandate the deportation of undocumented immigrants convicted of sex crimes.
“If your wife, your daughter, your girlfriend, mother was raped by an illegal immigrant… you’re perfectly fine if they stay in the country?” Hannity asked.
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Thanedar maintained that while he believes criminals should be deported, he voted against the specific legislation because “no bill is perfect” and it contained other provisions he disagreed with. When pressed to name the specific provisions that led to his rejection of the bill, Thanedar admitted, “I don’t memorize… I vote on thousands of bills.”
The segment ended with Hannity calling the Congressman’s views “nauseating” and blaming rhetoric like Thanedar’s for an increase in threats against border enforcement agents.
“That’s the difference between us,” Hannity concluded, abruptly ending the interview.
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