Georgia Rep. Carter Backs ICE Enforcement After Savannah Teacher's Death

Carter expects the president to highlight immigration reform in the State of the Union address.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Republican Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter said he supports the administration's efforts to crack down on "criminal, illegal immigrants" ahead of the 2026 State of the Union address. Carter referenced the recent death of a Savannah teacher, Dr. Linda Davis, who was killed in a crash during an ICE operation in Chatham County. Carter claimed Democrats are encouraging people to resist and not comply with ICE.

Why it matters

The death of a local teacher has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of ICE. Carter's comments reflect the political divide, with Republicans generally supportive of aggressive immigration policies and Democrats more critical of ICE tactics.

The details

Carter said he stands with the president when it comes to ICE and the death of Savannah teacher Dr. Linda Davis, who died in a crash during an ICE operation in Chatham County. Carter claimed the incident "should have never happened" and accused Democrats of encouraging resistance to ICE.

  • Ahead of the 2026 State of the Union address

The players

Buddy Carter

A Republican Congressman from Georgia.

Dr. Linda Davis

A Savannah teacher who was killed in a crash during an ICE operation in Chatham County.

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What they’re saying

“I support what the administration is trying to do to get rid of the criminal, illegal immigrants. And, you know, we've had a tragedy in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia, where one of our beloved teachers was killed by an illegal immigrant who was fleeing, who was resisting arrest. This should have never happened.”

— Buddy Carter, Republican Congressman (WTOC)

The takeaway

This incident has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement, with Republicans like Carter supporting aggressive ICE tactics and Democrats criticizing them. The death of a local teacher has heightened tensions and political divisions on this issue.