Florida Dem rep proposes tearing down Statue of Liberty to protest 'bigoted' GOP border policy

On Wednesday, freshman Democrat Rep. Max Frost announced that in an act of protest against Republicans' desire to secure the border, he had drafted a bill that would remove the Statue of Liberty from New York City. 

Frost, who represents Florida's 10th District, referred to the statue as simply a "symbol that tells people to come here," failing to mention that the iconic monument sat next to Ellis Island, which for decades was the country's largest legal immigration hub. 

"My colleagues on the other side of the aisle, let's be honest with immigrants that deserve better than what you're offering them," he began. "Don't welcome immigrants if you plan to reject them." 

"If you keep pushing your bigoted HR2 bill, then also pass this bill," he continued. "I've taken the liberty of drafting it for you. It removes the Statue of Liberty, our largest symbol that tells people to come here." 

"This is who you are, removing the fabric of America," he added. "I wanna know, which Republican who supports and voted for HR2 will introduce this bill?" 

The Secure the Border Act, introduced in May 2023, "makes various changes to immigration law" and would force the Department of Homeland Security to continue building the wall along the southern border, among other things. 

It passed in the House by a vote of 219-213 but has yet to make it to the Senate.

Following the stunt, Frost was mocked on X. 

"Per this Congressman's request, please send at least a few dozen bus loads to his home district office," one user wrote, tagging Texas governor Greg Abbott. 

"The dude who supports tearing down statues now hides behind a statue," another quipped.