Although comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship has strong bipartisan support — notably the Senate’s “gang of eight” — a bill would face its toughest climb in the House of Representatives, where conservatives are still cautious about embracing reform. At Congress’ first immigration hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Republicans stacked the deck with anti-immigration activists and critics of reform.

One of those witnesses, President of the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) union Chris Crane, sharply criticized the Obama administration for interfering with ICE procedures and deferring deportation of some DREAMers. But in an exchange with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Crane went off script and admitted comprehensive reform that clarifies border security would help enforcement agents do their jobs:

JACKSON LEE: If we pass comprehensive immigration reform and we established once and for all the parameters of the law and it was the law, that would be more helpful to law enforcement, such as yourself, is that not correct?

CRANE: I guess in theory it would be, Ma’am. I guess it would, again, like everyone’s testified today, what this comprehensive immigration reform really means. [...]

JACKSON LEE: Well, political leaders dictate what the laws are on the books. and I appreciate that, as I said, I’m grateful for your service. I look forward to working with you extensively. But my question again, and I just need a yes or no, if we have laws on the books that are clear to you as a law enforcement officer, and help distinguish between those who are here, not to do us harm, families that need to be reunited, and make it clear, so you understand the distinction of enforcement and what your laws are, that would help you do your job, is that not correct?

CRANE: If I understand the question correctly, yes, it would, Ma’am.

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Crane’s claims that Obama is too lenient on immigration enforcement has little founding: Deportation is actually at a record high under Obama, and there are more “boots on the ground” than ever before, while illegal immigration has decreased to net zero.

A group of young immigrants interrupted the first congressional hearing on immigration reform Tuesday to protest the GOP’s opposition to the DREAM Act. They chanted “undocumented and unafraid” as they were quickly escorted out of the room.

The protesters targeted Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), one of the 160 Republicans who voted against the DREAM Act in 2010, which would create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth.

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The DREAM Act died in the Senate in 2010 after a 55-41 vote, falling short of the 60 needed. Since then, DREAMers have stayed at the forefront of the immigration fight, holding rallies and mobilizing to tell their stories as Congress takes up renewed reform that would benefit 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Poll after poll shows Americans want immigration reform with citizenship, but today’s House Judiciary hearing was stacked with witnesses who oppose the popular policy.

House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)

Today marks the first hearing Congress will hold on immigration since the Senate and President Obama released their versions of basic principles to include in comprehensive immigration reform. In addition to keeping families together and creating a legalized workforce, immigration reform would add $1.5 trillion to GDP over 10 years. According to an AP-GfK poll, 62 percent of Americans back Congress’ renewed push to let immigrants stay and legally work in the U.S.

But at today’s House Judiciary Committee hearing on immigration, members won’t hear much in favor of the popular position on comprehensive reform. The two-panel hearing includes no representation from pro-immigration reform groups, and just one strong proponent, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro. The second Democratic witness is Migration Policy Institute Director Muzaffar Chishti, who testifies in the second panel.

Rather than hear the facts on a position most Americans favor — a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants — House Republicans, led by immigration hardliner Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), invited a set of opponents to immigration reform and proponents of increased border security.

Of the eight witnesses testifying, four are opposed to comprehensive immigration reform, and one is clearly in favor. Two witnesses come from academic backgrounds and don’t offer a clear position. Below is a sample of some of the opponents:

Julie Myers Wood, head of ICE under President George W. Bush: Wood’s controversial track record, for instance, includes awarding a costume prize to someone who appeared as a “Jamaican detainee” in “a striped prison uniform, wearing a dreadlock wig, and his face darkened with makeup.”

Jessica Vaughan, the Center for Immigration Studies: Center for Immigration studies is a group founded by anti-immigration activist John Tanton, and has earned a label as an intolerant group. In 2007, it was part of the successful network that fought against comprehensive reform. CIS’ claims of the costs of immigration have been thoroughly debunked by other groups.

Christopher Crane, Immigration Customs Enforcement President: Crane is head of the group that filed a suit against the Obama administration on so-called lenient policies they claim undermine officers from “enforcing many laws enacted by Congress.” However, deportation has gone up under the Obama administration.

Michael Teitelbaum, fellow of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation: Teitelbaum is a long-documented skeptic of increased legal immigration. The president of ImmigrationWorks USA told Talking Points Memo Teitelbaum is a worrying witness because he maintains there is no need for more worker visas.

The stacked hearing comes as little surprise since House Republicans come from districts that are typically much whiter and less Latino than Democratic members. 131 House GOP hail from districts that are more than 80 percent white.

Adam Peck contributed reporting