Leaders share differing opinions on deadly ICE chase crash in Savannah

Leaders are reacting after a deadly ICE chase crash Monday claimed the life of Dr. Linda Davis, a beloved Savannah-Chatham County Public School System educator.The crash has prompted an outpouring of grief, condolences, and sharply differing opinions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. More coverage: Deadly ICE chase crash in Savannah: Here's what we know School releases statement after Savannah ICE chase crash that killed teacherDHS calls Savannah ICE chase death 'an absolute tragedy.' blames sanctuary policies Savannah Mayor Van Johnson:"I extend my condolences to the family of Dr. Davis and the entire Hesse K-8 community during this incredibly difficult time.We pray for comfort, strength, and peace to her loved ones, colleagues, and the many students whose lives this gifted and beloved educator touched.This is a time for compassion, care, and support for one another as our community grieves and as the facts surrounding this tragedy are carefully reviewed. We stand with Dr. Davis’ family and her Hesse K-8 family, keeping them lifted in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time." U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter:"The Left has a Georgian’s blood on its hands, once again. A beloved local teacher lost her life because an illegal immigrant facing deportation refused to cooperate with ICE. We must throw the book at this individual. This is what happens when politicians like Jon Ossoff open up our borders and then urge people not to comply with ICE - innocent Americans die."Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff:"I’m heartbroken by this appalling tragedy and send my deepest condolences to Dr. Linda Davis’ family and to Savannah-Chatham Public Schools. Dr. Davis was a beloved educator and I join the entire community in deep sorrow. I have spoken with City of Savannah and Chatham County leaders to convey my support for their efforts to strengthen public safety and improve communication with federal agencies."Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr:“A Savannah teacher is gone after a crash caused by an illegal immigrant fleeing ICE. Our prayers are with her family and the entire Savannah community. This is a somber reminder that policies that weaken immigration enforcement have real consequences for public safety.”Savannah Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely:"IF THE CHASE WAS NOT ENSUED THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED!!!! TEARS FOR THE FAMILY!!!!"Georgia Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook:"I am heartbroken at the death of Dr. Linda Davis, a beloved teacher at Hesse K-8. My deepest condolences go out to her family, her students, and the SCCPSS community.This morning’s deadly collision occurred in an area that many Chatham County families, including my own, travel on a daily basis. There will be undoubtedly be more facts coming to light about this tragedy. There will undoubtedly be blame enough to go around. But it is reasonable for citizens to conclude that the scale and magnitude of ICE’s dragnet is costing us too much."Georgia State Senator Derek Mallow:"Today, our district is grieving.A beloved Savannah teacher, Dr. Linda Davis, lost her life in a tragic crash. She was an educator and a pillar in our community.My prayers are with her family, her students, and everyone whose life she touched.This is a moment for mourning. A family is shattered. A school is hurting. A community is in pain. We owe them space, dignity, and compassion.At the same time, we must confront the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Federal immigration enforcement actions, including pursuits, can create dangerous conditions on our local roads. ICE and DHS are not trained for routine traffic stops, and operations that put innocent lives at risk demand serious review and accountability. Turning someone’s death into a political football helps no one. It doesn’t heal families. It doesn’t make our streets safer. And it does not honor the life that was taken.We can hold individuals accountable for crimes and still lead with compassion. We can have honest conversations about public safety and immigration policy without spreading fear or blaming entire communities. If we are serious about safety, then we must be serious about preventing tragedies like this from happening again.Today we mourn. Tomorrow, we do the work to ensure our communities are protected."