Video of GA legislator from Columbus speaking about ICE controversy goes viral
A video showing a Georgia legislator from the Columbus area speaking about the ICE controversy has gone viral on social media.
By Monday, the video of State Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) generated more than 42,000 views, 860 likes or loves, 200 shares and 170 comments since it was posted Jan. 27 on his Facebook page.
Amid the fallout from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fatally shooting two protesters last month in Minnesota, and Democrats filing a bill in the Georgia Senate to require ICE agents to wear proper identification and to remove their making while making arrests, Robertson suggested in the video his viewers should “remember that the reason these operations are going on is because individuals have violated laws here in the United States of America.”
Filmed while walking in downtown Columbus, Robertson acknowledged in the video that “law enforcement needs to be scrutinized,” but he objected to “allowing media to hold trial on television or on the internet. The incidents that happened, I promise you, these officers are going to be investigated. Their actions will be scrutinized, as will the actions of the others.”
Robertson, who served with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years before retiring as a bureau commander with the rank of major in 2015, said in the video, “If you or a family member come in contact with law enforcement officers and you feel you’re not being treated fairly, or you feel your rights are being violated, all you need to do is contact the agency that these officers work for, and you can file a complaint.”
Then he advises in the video, “When you see a law enforcement action taking place, and if it doesn’t involve you, please don’t attempt to obstruct whatever’s going on. You’re welcome if you’re out in the public to film whatever you want to film, and if you’re far enough back, you’re welcome to say whatever you want to say, blow whatever whistle you want to blow. But the one thing you can’t do is interfere with a law enforcement operation.”
Robertson also offered his personal involvement when a constituent sees improper law enforcement action.
“If you don’t feel you’re being responded to in the right way, feel free to reach out to me,” he says. “Email me at the state capitol, and I’ll be happy to look into the situation and let you know what I find out.
“But understand: These are men and women are sworn to uphold the law. They’re out there doing their job. They’re not going to be perfect every time. But I promise you: Every case will be investigated. Every case will be looked into. So, one thing everybody needs to understand is due process, and due process takes a while in every case, but every American, including law enforcement officers, are guaranteed that right in our Constitution.”
