Congressional Hispanic Caucus Holds Inauguration Day Press Conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) was joined by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05) and other members of the House Democratic leadership for a press conference in response to President Trump's inaugural remarks. CHC members, led by Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham, called out President Trump for using anti-immigrant rhetoric that is un-American. Below are some of the statements issued by CHC members following the press conference:

CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01)

"President Trump's hateful rhetoric is not in line with our country's core values and stands in stark contrast with the strong pro-immigrant stances of past presidents—including Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Barack Obama. President Trump has rejected our country's pro-immigrant values; instead he has demonized immigrants and shamelessly blamed them for economic problems they didn't create. We came together today to urge our Republican colleagues and the president to embrace the immigrant community and work towards comprehensive immigration reform."

CHC First Vice Chair Joaquin Castro (TX-20)

"We will not stand for the President's disparagement of our immigrant communities, nor will we idly watch as he pursues anti-immigrant policies. Immigrants' stories are the American story. Border walls and deportation forces betray our nation's values. I will continue to work for humane, sensible immigration reforms in Congress that honor American values and strengthen our country."

Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

"As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, my family's story is the American story. We have worked hard every day and contributed to the success of our great country. I am proud to stand with my CHC colleagues to show President Trump that we will be here at every moment of the next four years to fight for what is best for our community and our country."

CHC Whip Pete Aguilar (CA-31)

"Donald Trump built a campaign on bigotry and hate, creating an environment where intolerance is the new normal. Today, and every day of his presidency, I will continue to be an advocate for the Latino community and a check on any attempts President Trump takes that threaten Inland Empire families."

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03), Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

"To President Trump and Speaker Ryan, I say our community won't stand silent as some attempt to tear apart families; intimidate communities; or deport those trying to make a better life here while contributing to the fabric of our society. We will be strong, and we will be united."

Rep. Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Chair of BOLD PAC

"Donald Trump has been consistent in his words and actions—he has disrespected countless Americans—women, civil rights leaders, Hispanics, people with disabilities, Muslims, gold star families, African Americans, POWs, and more. This rhetoric divides us and spurs hate in peoples' hearts. I urge the President Trump to represent all Americans and to speak with the dignity and respect that is owed to the Office of the United States Presidency."

Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)

"Trump's ignorant and hateful comments and proposals against immigrants will do nothing to make America great. They will destroy our economy, rip apart families, and won't our country any more safe. I'm proud to join my colleagues in showing Trump the real faces of the immigrants he has demonized and all that they contribute to America."

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (CA-44)

"I am the daughter of immigrants. Immigrants like my Mom and Dad have always added immeasurable value to our nation and we will not go away. We are here to stay. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and the CHC to stand up to policies that hurt Hispanics or dehumanize the immigrant community."

Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

"Both during his campaign and after his election, Donald Trump made it clear that he does not intend to represent all Americans as our president. As a proud Mexican immigrant, I want Mr. Trump to know that the groups he has consistently disparaged have a strong voice in our democracy."

Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)

"On this Inauguration Day, Mr Trump we ask you, tear down this wall of division, of hate, of fear and of persecution that divides us."

A full video of the press conference can be seen here.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.