Rep. Nico Rios, R-Williston, observes a House floor session on Feb. 10, 2025. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
I agree with State Representative Nico Rios. Did I shock you? Rios is a legislator that when getting arrested for a DUI, called the officers every name he possibly could. One of those names being the n-word. He also took another step towards proving what a disgusting racist he is when he threw out on social media asking whether the CIA and Trump could “kick this Jew out of power in Mexico,” referring to the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. All of that evil and I still found something I agree with him on.
Rios is the sponsor of House Bill 1493. The bill quite simply eliminates the Office of Legal Immigration from North Dakota’s budget. North Dakota taxpayers will no longer subsidize businesses by finding them workers from outside the country. At a time when I have no doubt many of those businesses agreed with Donald Trump’s attitude on immigration, I would imagine they’ll feel good about this.
The conservatives in red states have made it perfectly clear how they feel about immigrants. While most of them might not use the words Rios uses, they certainly have shown through their votes what they think. They certainly feel they’re not welcome here and will never be one of us.
So, it’s time to prove it. It’s time to shut down an office that does just the opposite. It’s time for the Governor, Department of Commerce, and State Chamber to say enough. Not only should they close this down, but they should put their money where their mouth is. They should do these jobs themselves. They’re not only going to follow Donald Trump in words, but they should follow him with action.
Or will they?
Good riding with you,
Joel
Comments