Bernie Moreno Corners Keith Ellison, Brilliantly Exposing Big Problem in Dem Immigration Narrative

We reported on some of the crazy interactions between the Republican senators and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Thursday.

It was definitely rocking when Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) accused Ellison of taking donations from people connected with the massive fraud scandal in his state and said he thought Ellison should be indicted. Ellison denied the allegation. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) also went to town on him for smirking when asked about the anti-ICE chaos and chastised him for inflaming things with anti-ICE rhetoric.

'You Disgust Me!' Ron Johnson Unloads on Smirking MN AG for Encouraging Violent Anti-ICE Protesters

But those weren't the only interesting moments.

There was a great moment when Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) really nailed him before Ellison even realized it on the problem of the misuse of claiming asylum. This was brilliant questioning.

Extraordinary exchange

MORENO: "Mexico and Canada, do you consider those to be safe countries?"

ELLISON: "Generally I do."

MORENO: "So then somebody seeking asylum, could certainly be safe in Canada and Mexico, no?"

ELLISON: "Now, so like, if somebody, we we" pic.twitter.com/7RB0ZWuU8I
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 12, 2026

Ellison talks about a good-faith claim of oppression.

Yes, that's what the asylum claim is supposed to be about. But under Biden, it became, "Everyone make sure you claim it, and we'll give you a hearing date many years into the future on the question."

Moreno asked if Ellison considered Mexico and Canada to be safe countries. Ellison realizes he can't say anything bad about Mexico and Canada, but he's stuck between a rock and a hard place. "Generally, I do," he said.

Moreno keeps at it, and he has Ellison stammering, trying to figure out what to say. So refugees wouldn't be safe in Mexico? Moreno presses. "So maybe we shouldn't have a free trade agreement with them then?" he asks, leading the witness. Ellison backpedaled and said he's not saying that. But he thinks they should hear the person's asylum claim to see if they have a well-founded fear of persecution.

"And that can't happen in Mexico?" Moreno asks. If they're coming through the safe countries of Mexico or Canada, why can't those countries hear the claim?

That's the kicker right there. Democrats can't explain why the person goes through multiple safe countries before they get to this country. Because ultimately, most of the time, it's an economic migrant who wants to come to the U.S. and not Mexico or Canada, and it isn't because of any fear of persecution. Then, too, it clogs the system for people who truly do deserve asylum.

Good on Sen. Moreno for exposing this point and putting Ellison on the hot seat.

Ellison suddenly realizes what’s happening and can’t adjust his spin fast enough. They just want illegal immigrants here on US soil. https://t.co/m1KhRoWnKk
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) February 12, 2026

How bad was Ellison? Check out this bonus exchange.

Moreno: "If you enter the country illegally or overstay a visa, should you be deported?"

Ellison: "It depends."

Moreno: "If someone breaks into your home, should they be arrested, or does it depend?" pic.twitter.com/4yzhk7C2XO
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) February 12, 2026

Moreno: "If you enter the country illegally or overstay a visa, should you be deported?"
Ellison: "It depends."
Moreno: "If someone breaks into your home, should they be arrested, or does it depend?"

Ellison claims it's different because immigration is essentially a civil offense. Wrong. Overstaying a visa is a civil offense, but entering illegally is a criminal offense.

But Moreno wouldn't let him get away with that, again pressing him — so we shouldn't enforce civil violations?

It doesn't "depend," you enforce the law. But Ellison can't even bring himself to just say that.

Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy RedState’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.

Join RedState VIP and use the promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership!