Laura Wilkerson, mother of a young man killed by an illegal immigrant, on Tuesday thanked Donald Trump for giving voice to Americans’ outrage over lax enforcement policies, saying he’s brought attention to something that’s been percolating for years.
Testifying to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Ms. Wilkerson described the horrific killing of her son Josh, who she said was strangled and had his throat crushed, then had his body lit on fire, before the killer went to watch a movie, eating popcorn and drinking a Coke.
She said she backed Mr. Trump, the GOP presidential hopeful whose comments on immigration have stirred the debate, drawing a stern rebuke from many Democrats and even some fellow Republican candidates — though Mr. Trump has surged in the polls.
Ms. Wilkerson said Mr. Trump has voiced what she and other victims’ families have been trying to argue for years.
“Thank you to Mr. Trump for getting a message out in two minutes,” she said. It feels good to be heard. Whether you love him or whether you don’t, I felt heard.”
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.
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