A federal prosecutor whose confession to a federal judge in Minnesota sparked a viral moment, is now running for Congress as a Democrat.
According to The Washington Post, "In her now-famous outburst, Julie T. Le told U.S. District Judge Jerry W. Blackwell that she felt powerless to compel U.S. immigration officers to follow judicial orders to grant immigrants bond hearings or release them from detention. Blackwell had summoned her and a colleague to court to demand an explanation, or face contempt. As Le stalked out of the courtroom, she said it flashed across her mind that only legislators had the power to fix the enforcement system that had ignited fear and violence throughout the Twin Cities."
Le had specifically told the judge "this job sucks" and even asked to be held in contempt of court because a brief stint in jail would be a break from having to do the mountain of work being put on her.
She was fired from her position shortly after the exchange went public.
Le's campaign is for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, which would require her to mount a primary challenge against Rep. Ilhan Omar, who has frequently been the target of racist attacks from President Donald Trump. She said of Omar, “It’s not because she’s not doing the job. It’s just for what I could bring to the table.”
"Le is one of several former officials critical of Trump to seek public office," noted the report. "Others include a fired federal prosecutor running for the House in Virginia, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer seeking a House seat in Maryland, and twin brothers and former Army officers who raised alarms about the issues at the heart of Trump’s first impeachment. All are Democrats."


