Narragansett GOP Chair Calls for “Bounty Hunters” to Pursue “Illegal Aliens”. The Rhode Island Republican Party Responds

Imagine our surprise, when a screen shot, depicting a call for “illegal immigrant bounty hunters” was sent to the Facebook account of the Coalition Radio not once, not twice, but 3 times?

Embattled Narragansett GOP Chair Anthony D’Ellena, no stranger to controversy, routinely posts memes designed to inflame. Witness:

The meme, posted this past week. As forwarded to The Coalition. A bridge too far? Misspellings and poor editing aside, does the suggestion? Implication? Of vigilantism support violence?

The Coalition Radio Network’s Pat Ford reached out to Joseph Powers, Rhode Island Republican State Chairman.

Mr. Powers: The attached meme, ostensibly authored by Mr. Anthony D’Ellena, Chair of the Narragansett Republican Party, is attracting a great deal of attention. Does the Rhode Island Republican Party endorse the use of bounty hunters in the capture of individuals here in the United States illegally? Will the Rhode Island Republican Party ask Mr. D’Ellena to retract this statement?

Republican Chair Powers responded promptly.

Hi Pat,

Thank you for reaching out.

The Rhode Island Republican Party has always stood and will continue to stand firmly on the side of the Constitution and the rule of law. Any suggestion otherwise is not only inaccurate, it is contrary to everything we represent.

The comments referenced in your inquiry do not reflect the position or values of the RI GOP. They were addressed internally, and the post in question was removed from social media immediately after it came to our attention.

We hold our members to the highest standards of conduct and expect their public commentary to reflect the serious responsibility of upholding public trust. While we take swift action to maintain those standards, it is disheartening to see that Democrat leadership in this state continues to turn a blind eye to their own elected officials making incendiary and even threatening remarks. Their silence speaks volumes, they either condone or endorse such behavior.

We will continue doing what we’ve always done, promote law, order, and accountability not just for our political opponents, but within our own ranks as well.

The Coalition requested comment from Mr. D’Ellena.

“I said nothing wrong. My post criticized The RI government that refuses to enforce the law and treats illegal aliens better than American citizens. I never once called for violence — I called for consequences. That’s not hate speech, that’s common sense.

Meanwhile, Rep. Enrique Sanchez did call for violence. He called ICE agents “Nazi thugs” and promised a “day of reckoning” when he confronts them. That’s a direct threat against law enforcement. Yet I don’t see you writing about that.” – Anthony D’Ellena.

At what point do memes cross over from parody into a reflection of the individual’s beliefs? Do the statements of one individual, in this case a Local Party Chair, necessarily reflect poorly on an entire organization? What. Say. You?

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