Amanda Kiefer, a woman who suffered a violent attack at the hands of an illegal immigrant, has spoken out about how the incident drastically altered her political beliefs.
Kiefer, who was once a self-proclaimed liberal, now supports the policies of former President Donald Trump, particularly those related to immigration.
In 2008, Kiefer was left with a fractured skull after Alexander Izaguirre, an illegal immigrant from Honduras, stole her purse and attempted to run her over. As reported by the Daily Caller, Izaguirre had previously been arrested on drug charges but avoided prison due to his participation in a jobs program initiated by then-San Francisco District Attorney, Kamala Harris.
"When a policy negatively affects you, you wake up," Kiefer told ABC News, explaining her political transformation. She now aligns herself with Trump's policies, which have been characterized by a hardline stance on immigration.
Harris, who served as San Francisco's top prosecutor from 2004 to 2011, spearheaded an initiative known as "Back on Track." According to a 2009 Los Angeles Times article, the program aimed to help felons expunge their convictions by offering them job training instead of prison time. However, Harris was reportedly unaware that her office was enrolling illegal immigrants into the program until the 2008 attack on Kiefer.
Harris acknowledged the inclusion of illegal immigrants in "Back on Track" as a "flaw" and pledged to stop their enrollment in the program, as per the LA Times. She also admitted her ignorance regarding the number of illegal immigrants who had been placed in the program.
"If people who committed crimes were allowed to stay out of prison to train for jobs they couldn't legally hold, I think most Americans would disapprove of that," Kiefer stated to ABC News, reflecting a sentiment that resonates with many conservatives.
Kiefer's political shift is evident in her financial contributions. ABC News reports that she has made numerous donations to GOP causes since 2020. She also criticized Harris's portrayal of herself as a tough prosecutor, calling it "laughable."
Harris's record on immigration has come under increased scrutiny as she positions herself as the presumptive Democratic nominee following President Joe Biden's announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2024.
Login