Amid rising tensions in U.S. politics, Democratic leaders like Rep. Frederica Wilson are drawing scrutiny for fiery rhetoric, including calls for an “uprising” against policies like the Laken Riley Act, raising concerns about escalating political violence.
In a polarized political climate, inflammatory language from elected officials has taken center stage. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., recently made headlines during a visit to the ICE Krome Detention Center by urging citizens to “threaten” Congress and stage an “uprising” over immigration policies, specifically targeting the Laken Riley Act. Her remarks, echoed by other Democratic leaders, have sparked a heated debate about the role of rage rhetoric in fueling political violence. This article explores the controversy, its key figures, and the broader implications for American democracy.
Frederica Wilson’s Call to Action
Speaking at the ICE Krome Detention Center in Miami, Rep. Frederica Wilson expressed outrage over the Laken Riley Act, which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes like theft, assault, or causing serious bodily harm. Wilson claimed the law unfairly targets “hardworking” individuals, stating, “The Laken Riley Act has caused an increase in detainees, and these are people who… you could have been here forever… walking across the street, jaywalking, or shoplifting, they will detain you and bring you right here.”
[](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)Wilson’s rhetoric escalated as she urged action: “I’ve been giving out the phone numbers to the House of Representatives and to the Senate… you call and you threaten it, and you say, this is wrong. This is not America. We need a change… We need the people. We needed an uprising where people are taking to the streets and the phones and writing letters.”
[](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrat-rep-urges-call-threaten-lawmakers-uptick-illegal-immigration-detentions)
A Pattern of Democratic Rage Rhetoric
Wilson is not alone in her fiery language. Other Democratic leaders have similarly called for aggressive action:
- Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) declared, “We are here to fight back.” [](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) urged citizens to “fight” and “rise up.” [](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)
- Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) vowed, “We are gonna be in your face, we are gonna be on your a–es.” [](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)
- Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) exclaimed, “God d—it shut down the Senate!… WE ARE AT WAR!” [](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called for Democrats to “fight in the streets.” [](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)
This rhetoric has drawn criticism for potentially inciting violence, especially amid an “alarming increase in political violence on the left,” as noted by legal scholar Jonathan Turley.
[](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)The Laken Riley Act: Purpose and Controversy
The Laken Riley Act, named after a nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant in 2024, aims to strengthen immigration enforcement. It requires ICE to detain undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes, assaulting police officers, or causing death or serious injury, including via drunk driving. Contrary to Wilson’s claims, the law does not cover minor offenses like jaywalking. Twelve Democratic senators supported the bill, reflecting its bipartisan appeal.
[](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)Wilson’s misrepresentation of the law as overly punitive has fueled opposition, with critics arguing her rhetoric oversimplifies a complex issue and risks inflaming tensions. Supporters of the Act, however, see it as a necessary measure to enhance public safety.
The Risks of Rage Rhetoric
Jonathan Turley, in his recent book, warns that rage rhetoric has deep roots in American politics but carries significant risks: “The danger is that it can give a license to some for political violence, including those who claim that they are now triggered by everything from candidates to cars.” As political discourse grows more heated, the line between passionate advocacy and incitement becomes increasingly blurred.
[](https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/25/we-need-an-uprising-democratic-rep-calls-on-people-to-threaten-congress-and-take-to-the-streets/)An American Tradition: Apple Pie
Amid political divides, some turn to cultural touchstones for unity. Apple pie, a symbol of American identity, has roots in European settler traditions but became a national icon by the 19th century. To make a classic apple pie, combine 6 cups of sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, encase in a buttery crust, and bake until golden. Serve with ice cream for a taste of Americana. Learn more about American culinary traditions.
Fun Fact: America’s Conservation Legacy
Did you know the U.S. pioneered the concept of national parks? Yellowstone, established in 1872, was the world’s first, setting a global standard for preserving natural beauty.