GRIFFIN - A member of the Georgia House is under fire for comments he made at a candidates forum about how the U.S. should handle illegal border crossings from Mexico. Georgia News Network reports Griffin Republican John Yates urged the U.S. Government to warn people who plan to cross the Mexican border illegally that federal agents will "shoot to kill."
And, Yates says he stands by the comments
"If they come over here on these raids, killing ranchers and everything, then you've got to stop them some way."
Immigration activists say Yates' comments could incite violence against members of the Hispanic community.
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Georgia Lawmaker Defends 'Shoot to Kill' Comment
ATLANTA - A Georgia lawmaker took some heat Thursday for some controversial comments about illegal immigrants at a recent candidate forum.
A moderator at a candidate forum in Douglas County asked candidates what their recommendations were for addressing illegal immigration in Georgia.
State Representative John Yates focused on the border and National Guard stationed there to help secure it.
"They ought to be armed and if warned leaflets dropped all over Mexico says that we will shoot to kill if anybody crosses and be serious about this and if they do that then there won't be anybody killed," Yates said during the forum.
Some have questioned Yates' comments. When asked if he could see why people would be upset with his comments Yates, "No, I don't think they'd be upset with what I'd say."
Rep. Yates, a WWII veteran in office more than 20 years, represents parts of Douglas, Fayette and Spalding Counties.
"If they come over here, on these raids killing ranchers and everything, you got to stop them some way," said Yates.
Yates likened illegal immigrants to enemies of the country.
"Stopping Hitler was worth the price," Yates said. "It's our border, they're invading us."
"We're concerned that this type of rhetoric, if it blows up is going to incite violence against our community," said Jerry Gonzalez of Georgia's Association of Latino Elected Officials.
Gonzalez said hate crimes against Latinos are up as a result of the immigration debate.
Rose Carroll, Yates' Democratic opponent said Yates' words dehumanize people crossing the border.
"What does that mean for women and children, because often people just dehumanize immigrants as this criminal element," said Carroll.