MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement:
 
“Trump is creating mass confusion with his constantly changing, on-again, off-again tariff policies. There are new announcements every day about what is included and excluded from these tariffs, making it difficult for businesses and consumers to plan ahead.

“In rapid succession over the past few days, he has announced tariffs, declared potential forthcoming tariffs on all agricultural imports, rolled back tariffs for the auto industry, exempted goods from Mexico that fall under USMCA, and exempted goods from Canada that fall under USMCA. These haphazard announcements create chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. 

“Tariffs can be a strategic tool, but Trump’s approach makes it clear he is simply using tariffs as a political stunt without any clear plan for how to use them effectively and actually confront the issues everyday Americans are facing. We need the President to adopt sensible, steadfast economic and trade policies that strengthen the American economy and help American workers. Trump’s current behavior only recklessly endangers our economy and undermines our relationship with our trade partners.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement regarding the Egyptian Gaza reconstruction plan and the Trump Administration’s response: 
 
“Last week, Arab leaders endorsed an Egyptian-led plan for reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The $53 billion plan for reconstruction would take place over five years and covered issues including immediate crisis repair, the construction of permanent housing and infrastructure, and plans to stimulate future economic growth.  

“There’s much more work that needs to be done before this plan could become a reality, as it fails to address details over the governance of Gaza and security arrangements for the region. However, despite its flaws, this proposal was a much-needed step forward for negotiations necessary to uphold the ceasefire and bring us closer to the ultimate goal of a two-state solution.  

“It is critical that the Trump Administration and the Israeli government take this starting point seriously and offer constructive feedback to continue the dialogue. We must be clear-eyed that Trump’s A.I.-fever-dream of a “Gaza Riviera” is an unacceptable option. Trump’s proposal would only result in the forcible displacement of over 2 million Palestinians and further destabilization of the region.  

“We must have a path forward that can lead to both legitimate Palestinian self-governance and security for Israel. The Egyptian plan for Gaza reconstruction is a starting point for how we can build a sustainable peace and must be taken seriously by Israel and the Trump Administration.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

President Trump’s speech neglects to address lowering costs, instead plans on cutting Americans’ healthcare and prescription drug benefits.

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Representative Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus and member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“Tonight, President Trump confirmed what we already know: Trump does not care about lowering prices for American families. Since taking office, Trump has launched an all-out attack on American workers, our allies abroad, and our democratic system of checks and balances. Planning to take away Medicaid, Medicare, and prescription drug benefits from seniors and children. 

“As prices continue to rise for hard-working families, Trump offered no solutions for Americans who continue to struggle. I co-founded the Congressional Labor Caucus to make sure workers have a voice in Washington. Trump’s anti-worker agenda makes it clear who he stands with, billionaires and big corporations, not the men and women who build our country.

“I will fight back against Trump’s disastrous plans that are hurting South Jersey families. In Congress, I will continue to advance policies that prioritize lower costs, good jobs, affordable quality education, healthcare, and security in our nation. While we may disagree on policies we should never disagree on the cornerstones of our democracy.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) joined congressional leaders, labor leaders, and workers to introduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act. Rep. Norcross, a co-founder of the Congressional Labor Caucus, is a union electrician by trade, a former union organizer, and was president of an AFL-CIO regional labor council for nearly two decades. 

“I know how important it is to give workers a voice and protect them from unfair labor practices because I lived it,” said Congressman Norcross. “At its core, the PRO Act carries Rich’s legacy forward by promoting worker solidarity, giving hardworking women and men a voice in their workplace, and holding accountable corporate bosses who violate workers’ rights. I first met Rich back in the 80s at a union hall in Cherry Hill, where he was collecting donations to support striking coal miners.  The PRO Act strengthens union protections, and I can think of no better person to name this critical piece of legislation after than Rich.” 

The PRO Act increases protections for workers engaging in union or other collective bargaining activities, expanding unfair labor practices to prohibitions on the replacement of, or discrimination against, workers who participate in strikes. The bill also makes it an unfair labor practice to require or coerce employees to attend employer meetings designed to discourage union membership. 

The PRO Act protects the basic right to join a union by: 

1. Holding employers accountable for violating workers’ rights by authorizing meaningful penalties, facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements, and closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors. 
2. Empowering workers to exercise their right to organize by strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights, protecting workers’ right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring workers can collect “fair share” fees, and authorizing a private right of action for violation of workers’ rights. 
3. Securing free, fair, and safe union elections by preventing employers from interfering in union elections, prohibiting captive audience meetings, and requiring employers to be transparent with their workers. 

For a fact sheet on the PRO Act, click here. 

For a section-by-section of the PRO Act, click here. 

For the bill text of the PRO Act, click here. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act to create a grant program to support students who have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Based on a New Jersey law, the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act would authorize funding to ensure all students nationwide are surrounded by trained and prepared individuals in the event of a seizure. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“I’m honored to introduce the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act to build on the progress we’ve made in New Jersey with Paul’s Law and ensure school staff members across the nation are prepared if a student has a seizure in the classroom,” said Congressman Norcross, Member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. “We know that about 470,000 children and teenagers live with epilepsy in the United States, and all our schools must know how to keep them safe.”

“This legislation is crucial for creating a safer school environment for children with epilepsy and seizure disorders. By funding response training, we ensure school staff are prepared to act, providing every child the support they need to succeed,” said Congressman Costa.

“Medical emergencies like seizures demand immediate action from school personnel to ensure the safety of all individuals,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). “Our primary duty is to protect our children, and the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act is key to fostering safer learning environments and providing families with much-needed peace of mind. I am championing this bipartisan effort to ensure that no child facing a medical crisis is left without the care they need.”

“Nearly half of America has followed in New Jersey’s footsteps and passed legislation to create safer environments for children with epilepsy,” said Senator Booker. “It’s now time we take action at the federal level, which is why I’m pleased to stand alongside my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation to reintroduce the Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act. This legislation will equip our schools with the resources they need so school personnel are trained and prepared in the event that someone has a seizure.” 

In 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed “Paul’s Law” into law, the first-of-its-kind in New Jersey named in honor of Paul St. Pierre, a New Jersey teenager with epilepsy. The legislation authorized the development of individualized health care plans for students with seizure disorders or epilepsy and mandates that school personnel are trained on how to care for students with such conditions.

About half of the states in the country have passed similar legislation to mandate or encourage seizure recognition and first aid training of school personnel, as well as other provisions to help ensure students with epilepsy are safe and supported in the school environment. The Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act would continue this momentum by authorizing funding to help ensure all students nationwide are surrounded by trained and prepared individuals, including:

• Training of school personnel to administer or assist with the administration of seizure medications.

• Training and education of students on seizure awareness and preparedness.

• Recruiting, hiring, and retaining compliance staff who are responsible for ensuring that all training and program requirements related to seizure awareness, preparedness, and management are consistently met.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) released a statement on the House Republican government funding package vote. 

“House Republicans just voted to target Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, cutting the programs Americans across the country rely on. Taking care of our seniors and veterans is not wasteful, it is our duty.  

“This vote is only the beginning. Now, House Republicans are turning their full attention to gutting Social Security, the very program seniors rely on. For our seniors, Social Security is a hard-earned benefit.  

“While housing, groceries, and healthcare costs are increasing, this vote makes it clear that House Republicans are focused on taking programs away that help our veterans and seniors. That’s why today I stood up for the people of South Jersey and voted no on this legislation.” 

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

WASHINGTON, DC—On Friday, Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) met with Emine Emanet and her family after she was released on a $7,500 bond from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.   

“It was great to see Emine reunited with her family,” said Congressman Norcross. “The Emanet family’s story is a clear example of why we need real immigration reform that will make a legal pathway to citizenship. While their legal battle is far from over, my office will continue to work with the family throughout the process.” 

Emine and Celal Emanet, local restaurant owners and constituents of Congressman Norcross, were detained by ICE last month. While Celal Emanet was released from custody with an ankle monitor shortly after he was detained, his wife wasn’t released until Wednesday.   

Many community members have reached out to Congressman Norcross’ office to share stories about how the family and business have positively impacted the community. The family is known for giving away food for free to those in need.  

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Ranking Member of the Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee are leading 103 Members of Congress in demanding answers from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Department of State Secretary Marco Rubio regarding the detention of Mahmoud Khalil and the stripping of his Green Card.

Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested and detained, and the administration has attempted to revoke his Green Card under an obscure statute in the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

“The Administration does not allege that Mr. Khalil has committed any crime nor that he has ever been charged with a crime,” wrote the Members. “And the Administration has failed to provide any explanation of what deleterious foreign policy consequences Mr. Khalil has caused by exercising his free speech rights. […] This maneuver evokes the Alien and Sedition Acts and McCarthyism. It is the playbook of authoritarians, not of elected officials in a democratic society who claim to be champions of free speech.”

This arrest comes as Trump has said Khalil’s attempted removal would be “first of many,” with dozens of universities and colleges across the country having received threats from the Department of Education if they protect non-citizen students who have engaged in protest.

“While there may be disagreement with Mr. Khalil’s speech, it is his Constitutional right in our democracy to express his political views. That is why every American should be outraged by this brazen attempt to use the power of the United States government to silence and punish people who do not agree with the sitting President,” continued the Members. 

Judge Jesse Furman issued an order temporarily preventing the government from removing Mr. Khalil while he considers the legality of the arrest and detention. 

The Members are requesting a response from Noem and Rubio by March 27th, 2025.

The letter was signed by Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-35), Sean Casten (IL-06), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Gerald Connolly (VA-11), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Danny K. Davis (IL) (IL-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX) (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jim Himes (CT-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Julie Johnson (TX-32), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), William Keating (MA-09), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John Larson (CT-01), Summer Lee (PA-12), Summer Lee (PA-12), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Stacey Plaskett (VI), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Mark Takano (CA-39), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

The letter was endorsed by 18 Million Rising; A New Policy; Action Corps; Adalah Justice Project; Alliance of Baptists; America’s Voice; American Civil Liberties Union; American Friends of Combatants for Peace; American Friends Service Committee; American Humanist Association; American Immigration Council; American Immigration Lawyers Association; American Muslims for Palestine (AMP); Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action); Amnesty International USA; Arab American Institute (AAI); Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote); Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; CASA; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Center for Jewish Nonviolence; Center for Victims of Torture; Christians for a Free Palestine; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); CODEPINK; Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP); Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim; Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR); DAWN; Defending Rights & Dissent; Detention Watch Network; Emgage Action; Franciscan Action Network ; Freedom Forward; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA); Hindus for Human Rights; Human Rights First; IfNotNow Movement; IMEU Policy Project; Immigrant Defense Project; Immigrant Justice Network ; Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC); Immigration Equality; Indivisible; International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN); International Refugee Assistance Project; J Street; Jewish Voice for Peace Action; Justice Democrats; MADRE; MoveOn; MPower Change Action Fund; Muslim Advocates; Muslim Legal Fund of America; Muslims for Just Futures; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; National Immigration Project; National Iranian American Council; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; New Israel Fund; New Jewish Narrative; Nonviolent Peaceforce; P Street; Partners for Progressive Israel; Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus; Peace Action; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Presente.org; Project South; Rabbis for Ceasefire; ReThinking Foreign Policy; Right to the City Alliance; Rising Majority; RootsAction.org; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Sunrise Movement; T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights; The Nexus Project; The Southern Poverty Law Center; Unitarian Universalist Association; United Church of Christ; United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR); United We Dream Network; US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action; USAHello; Win Without War; Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation ; Arlington For Palestine; Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago; Borderlands for Equity; CAIR- Philadelphia; CAIR-WA; Dignidad/The Right to Immigration Institute; Elmahaba Center; Estrella del Paso; Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Jews For Racial & Economic Justice; Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; Mennonite Action Philadelphia; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; New York Immigration Coalition; North Carolina Muslim Bar Association; OneAmerica; Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans – PANA; Pax Christi New Jersey ; Peace Action Montgomery; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Saratoga Black Lives Matter; Showing Up For Racial Justice Bay Area; SURJ Northern Virginia; West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship; Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; Woori Juntos.

The full letter can be read here.

Issues: Civil Rights, Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, will be introducing the No Round Up Act, legislation to repeal the long-dormant immigration law that allowed for Japanese internment during World War II (WWII) as the Trump administration prepares to use it as a means of mass deportation. 

“This policy is associated with some of the most shameful stains on our country’s history, including the reactionary and xenophobic internment of more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent in concentration camps across the United States during WWII, as well as racist and xenophobic profiling in the wake of September 11th,” said Jayapal. “Now, the Trump administration is aiming to use this policy as a tool to force immigrants to register and subject themselves to a mass deportation scheme.”

In addition to Japanese internment, previous attempts to use this registration system have also included the post-September 11th National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). This action put 13,000 people, largely from Muslim-majority, Arab, African, and South Asian countries, into deportation proceedings but resulted in zero terrorism convictions and was later determined by the Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General to be inefficient and a waste of resources. 

The Trump Administration’s proposed use of this policy would put a target on the backs of immigrants, many of whom are undocumented and have lived in this country for upwards of 16 years as contributing members of our economy and communities.

Individuals who do not register could face fines, jail time, and removal from the country. However, if passed, Jayapal’s legislation would repeal sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, removing provisions that allow for such a registry.

The bill is sponsored by Judy Chu (CA-28), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Juan Vargas (CA-52), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).

It is also endorsed by 18 Million Rising; Acacia Center for Justice; ACLU; African Communities Together (ACT); America’s Voice; American Families United; American Immigration Lawyers Association; Amica Center for Immigrant Rights; Arab American Institute; Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC; Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP); Bend the Arc: Jewish Action; Borderlands Resource Initiative; Care in Action; Caring Across Generations; CASA; Center for Constitutional Rights; Center for Gender & Refugee Studies; Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law; Church World Service; Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA); Defending Rights & Dissent; Doctors for Camp Closure; End SIJS Backlog Coalition; Equal Rights Advocates; Family Equality; First Focus Campaign for Children; Friends Committee on National Legislation; Global Exchange; Grassroots Asians Rising; Haitian Bridge Alliance; HIAS; Human Rights First; Immigrant Defense Project; Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC); Immigration Equality Action Fund; Immigration Hub; ImmSchools; International Mayan League; International Refugee Assistance Project; Japanese American Citizens League ; Just Detention International; Justice for Migrant Women; Labor Council for Latin American Advancement; Latin America Working Group (LAWG); Lawyers for Good Government; Make the Road NY; Make the Road States; Marianist Social Justice Immigration Team; MomsRising; Muslim Advocates; Muslims for Just Futures; National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; National Center for Youth Law; National Council of Jewish Women; National Domestic Workers Alliance; National Education Association; National Employment Law Project; National Immigrant Justice Center; National Immigration Law Center; National Immigration Project; National Korean American Service and Education Consortium; National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice ; National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR); National Organization for Women; National Partnership for New Americans; National Women’s Law Center Action Fund; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Popular Democracy; Project South; Quixote Center; Refugee Council USA; Refugees International ; Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign; Shriver Center on Poverty Law; Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF); Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Western Province Leadership; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team, and Pax Christi; T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights; Tahirih Justice Center; The Advocates for Human Rights; The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; The Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC United); The Sikh Coalition; Union for Reform Judaism; Unitarian Universalist Association; Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice; United SIKHS; United We Dream Network; USAHello; Vera Institute of Justice; Witness at the Border; Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights; Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice; African Advocacy Network; Ahri Center; Al Otro Lado; Aldea – The People’s Justice Center; Angry Tias and Abuelas ; Arkansas United; ASATA Power; Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL); Asian Law Alliance ; Asian Pacific American Legal Resorce Center; Asylum Program of Ariy; Ayuda; Bishop Enrique San Pedro Ozanam Center Inc.; Borderlands for Equity; CAIR-Washington; California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice; Central American Resource Center of Northern California  – CARECEN SF; Coalición de Derechos Humanos; Colorado Asylum Center; Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition; Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, Washington DC; East Bay Sanctuary Covenant; El Vínculo Hispano; Estrella del Paso; Faith in New Jersey; FEA Foundation Ministries; First Friends of NJ & NY ; Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project; Florida Health Justice Project; Florida Immigrant Coalition; GALEO Impact Fund; Hawai‘i Coalition for Immigrant Rights; Hispanic Services Council, Inc.; Humanitarian Outreach for Migrant Emotional Health (H.O.M.E.); Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef); Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project; Immigration Center for Women and Children; Immmigration Services and Legal Advocacy (ISLA); Indivisible Howard County, Maryland; Inwood Indivisible; Jewish Activists for Immigration Justice; La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc.; La Raza Community Resource Center (San Francisco); Latino Action Network Foundation; Levine Center To End Hate- Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester NY; Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA); Make the Road Nevada; Make The Road New Jersey; Mariposa Legal, Inc.; Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition ; Miami Valley Immigration Coalition; Midwest Immigration Bond Fund; Mobile Pathways; National Lawyers Guild – St. Louis Chapter; New York Immigration Coalition; Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; Oasis Legal Services; OC Action; OneAmerica; OPAWL – Building AAPI Feminist Leadership; Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition; Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network; Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN); South Asian Network; Sur Legal Collaborative; The Black & Brown Coalition of North Carolina; The Center for Growing Justice; The Sidewalk School ; Unidos MN; Voices for Progress; Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center; Women Watch Afrika.

Issues: Civil Rights, Immigration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding more information on reports that federal prisons are being used to detain immigrants during civil immigration proceedings.

“The detention of noncitizens in criminal prison facilities contradicts the civil nature of immigration law, risks further criminalizing immigration enforcement, and diverts critical resources away from the intended purpose of the federal prison system,” wrote Jayapal.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), immigration detention “is non-punitive.” It is not intended for punishment but rather to ensure that individuals comply with immigration proceedings. Recent reports indicate that ICE is detaining individuals in multiple Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities under disturbing conditions that are unfit for any person, regardless of whether it is for civil or criminal purposes, including in one that was slated for closure due to widespread sexual abuse.

This letter requests detailed information on the scope of this practice, including which facilities are being used, the criteria for selecting these facilities, the conditions of detention, reports of mistreatment or abuse, and whether detained individuals are subject to the same restrictions as those convicted of federal crimes.

Jayapal has been a staunch advocate for detained immigrants, having, on multiple occasions, called to end the use of private, for-profit prisons, which are often rife with abuse, and to move toward humane, community-based alternatives to detention for immigrants who pose no public safety risk. She is also the lead sponsor of the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation that would end the use of private, for-profit detention centers, improve detention conditions, and protect the civil and human rights of immigrants.

The letter was also signed by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Summer Lee (PA-12), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18),  James P. McGovern (MA-02), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Adam Smith (WA-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).

The full text of the letter can be read here.

Issues: Immigration