The mothers of victims of illegal immigrant crime on Tuesday completely refuted a Democrat congresswoman’s claim that Republicans were “exploiting” them for “political purposes.”

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday morning, titled “The Biden-Harris Border Crisis: Victim Perspectives,” to examine the disastrous effects of the Biden-Harris regime’s open border policies on American families and communities.

Witnesses included Anne Fundner, mother of Weston Fundner, victim of fentanyl poisoning; April Aguirre, a crime victims’ advocate; Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, victim of a criminal illegal alien; Mike Boudreaux, Sheriff, Tulare County, California; Tammy Nobles, mother of 20-year-old Kayla Hamilton, victim of a criminal Illegal Alien, and Alexis Nungaray, Mother of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, victim of Venezuelan illegal aliens.

All of the victims shared heart-wrenching stories about how the lives of their loved ones were cut short by criminal illegals allowed into the country by the Biden-Harris regime.

After expressing sympathy for the witnesses, Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) lashed out at Republicans for allegedly “exploiting” them.

“I think what is most frustrating to me as a member of Congress is is what is happening today at this committee hearing, where we have colleagues exploiting peoples’ pain for political purposes,” said Rep. Escobar.

“Unfortunately, that’s what’s happening today,” she added. Escobar also chastised Republicans for “finger pointing” at Biden and Harris, arguing that their failure to pass a comprehensive immigration bill is to blame for the open border disaster.

Escobar did not have a question for any of the witnesses, but did say that she hoped they would join Democrats in coming to a “bipartisan solution.”

As soon as the congresswoman’s time was up, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan asked the witnesses if they believed Republicans had exploited them in any way to come to the hearing.

“No,” replied Ms. Nobles indignantly.  “I am not being forced to be here. I am here because I want to be here, and I want changes to be made and I’m fighting here for my daughter.”

Jordan noted that he understood Republican staffers had been active trying to get answers for her daughter’s murder case that they “couldn’t get anywhere else.”

“Yes you have,”  Nobles said.

Ms. Morin and Ms. Nungaray also indicated that they didn’t feel exploited for testifying about the murders of their children.

“I do not feel exploited,” said Nungaray. “I simply want to raise awareness. We need change, and my daughter’s voice and her memory should not get lost in that.”

Ms. Fundner said she also did not feel exploited, and pointed out that Democrats were spending their five minutes of allotted time to give speeches without asking any questions.

“And I gotta tell ya, I’m getting tired of hearing about ‘the most comprehensive border security bill’ which did nothing for American citizens,” Fudner added. “It gave visas to people who needed to extend their visas and asylum to people coming over and it did zero for American citizens.”

Addressing Escobar directly, victim advocate April Aguirre said it was “insulting” for her to “make an assumption” that the victims’ families were being used in any way.

Aguirre, a daughter of Mexican immigrants, then gave Democrats her phone number and urged them to call her with their ideas to help the victims of the illegal immigrant crime wave.

“Because every single week, I get bombarded with calls from victims all over the United States, but I’m just a small person with a small foundation,” Aguirre said.

She added that when she was helping Nungaray navigated the criminal justice system, not one Democrat called to help, but numerous Republicans did.

“I am an Independent. I vote both ways,” Aguirre said. “So it’s insulting!”

When Escobar tried to respond, Aguirre angrily cut her off.

“Don’t speak over me, because I’m still talking,” she said. “I have the mic, I have the floor.”

“The witness has the floor,” Jordan agreed.

“You made some very broad statements, insulting these people [who] lost loved ones,” Aguirre continued. “They lost children and we want to see a difference.”

She urged Republicans and Democrats alike to call her number “because we need solutions.”

In her opening statement, Aguirre had blasted the Biden and Harris administration, saying they have “blood on their hands.”

“We must put the wellbeing of American citizens first. No, not everyone should be allowed entrance into our wonderful country,” Aguirre said. “The process of allowing immigrants into our country should be meticulous to ensure that we are not allowing sexual predators, murderers or those who wish harm to America into our country.”