State-sanctioned violence must end

Over the weekend, DHS agents once again unleashed violence on our communities. They used chemical weapons against peaceful protesters, including children. This was not crowd control. It was an abuse of power, and I won’t stay silent.  

I went to the House floor to condemn this violence. I stood outside ICE headquarters in Washington, D.C., calling for the impeachment of Kristi Noem and the dismantling of ICE. And now, I am going to Texas to protect one of our own. 

The Crespo-Gonzalez family from Gresham are asylum seekers with an active court date. They were detained while taking their sick seven-year-old daughter to urgent care. Instead of receiving medical care, she and her parents are now being held in a facility with confirmed measles cases. It is morally bankrupt, and I’m headed to Texas to do everything I can to bring this family home.  

This is what happens when an agency operates without accountability: protesters are gassed, families are jailed, and children are put in danger. 

In my recent survey, 85% of you said it’s time to defund ICE. Our community is demanding accountability, and I’m listening. That’s why I voted no on funding DHS and will continue to do so long as Trump’s inhumane policies continue.