Faso Jabs Delgado Over ICE; Delgado Counters With Healthcare

Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, has thrown down the gauntlet regarding calls for abolishment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — or ICE — to Democratic challenger Antonio Delgado of Rhinebeck. The two men will appear on the November ballot vying to represent New York's District 19 in Congress.

A statement released by Faso for Congress campaign manager Tom Szymanski, posted on Faso’s Facebook page, said that ICE was created in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in accordance with the Homeland Security Act and that one of its many purposes is to find and remove dangerous, criminal immigrants who may be in the U.S illegally.

“The service that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provides in keeping our communities safe is invaluable, and it is disturbing to hear elected Democrats and Democratic candidates for office calling to abolish ICE,” Szymanski wrote.

"Antonio Delgado's silence on this issue is disturbing. Mr. Delgado must immediately inform the voters of the 19th Congressional District if he stands with Mayor de Blasio, Kirsten Gillibrand, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cynthia Nixon and other fellow-Progressives on the loony left by wishing to abolish ICE. Voters deserve to know whether Mr. Delgado will work to abolish the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” he wrote.

In response Tuesday, Delgado issued a press release that said Faso should feel free to contact him directly with inquiries about his positions.

“I would be happy to exchange cell phone numbers so that he does not need his staffer to send out statements written by Paul Ryan,” Delgado’s statement said.

Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, is currently speaker of the House of Representatives.

Delgado continued by saying, “I am eager to discuss our country’s immigration policies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the congressman.

“Spoiler alert: I do not support abolishing ICE,” the Democratic challenger said.

“When we do have the chance to talk, I look forward to asking Congressman Faso if he stands with Paul Ryan, who counted on and received Faso’s vote in order to rip healthcare away from constituents like Andrea Mitchell,” Delgado said.

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