Texas State Representatives Matt Rinaldi (left) and Poncho Nevarez
Credit: State of Texas

Irving’s Matt Rinaldi celebrated being named one of the Observer’s worst representatives of the 2017 session with a bang Monday by calling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on people protesting Texas’ new anti-sanctuary city law at the state Capitol. During an ensuing skirmish on the Texas floor, Rinaldi threatened to shoot Democratic state Rep. Poncho Nevarez.

Rinaldi threw a fit after several protesters in a boisterous House gallery raised signs that said, “I am illegal and here to stay,” the representative said. After seeing the signs, the representative said in a statement late Monday, he called federal immigration authorities.

When he told several Democrats what he’d done, all hell broke loose on the floor, according to Rinaldi.

“When I told the Democrats I called ICE, Rep. Ramon Romero physically assaulted me, and other Democrats were held back by colleagues,” Rinaldi said.

Romero, speaking at a House press conference, told a different story.

“We were looking above [to the gallery]. We were waving, and […]