Immigration and Border Issues

Washington, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement in response to Attorney General Jeff Session's approval of the Department of Homeland Security's arrest policy and his expansion of the Department of Justice's expedited removal program:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and 14 members of the CHC sent a letter to the head of the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security in response to the threat that local jurisdictions would lose federal funding if they choose not to use local resources for federal immigration enforcement.

As the CHC Members write, "troubling reports indicate that ICE is purposefully conducting immigration raids in jurisdictions with ‘sanctuary' policies in order to pressure jurisdictions to comply with ICE detainers. Rather than promoting community policing, this Administration is threatening localities that are simply exercising their 10th amendment rights in the interest of their own communities and local law enforcement priorities."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, CHC Immigration Task Force Chair Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez, and 18 members of the CHC sent a letter calling on the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee. The signers ask the Appropriation's leaders to reject the President's proposed FY2017 supplemental budget request for an additional $3 billion to implement his executive orders on border security and interior immigration enforcement.

Washington, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement in response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' threat to deny federal funding to cities and law enforcement agencies that in the absence of an arrest warrant or felony conviction do not hold an individual beyond the point at which the person would otherwise be released from custody:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham is asking attorneys general from across the United States to scrutinize the new policies and tactics used by immigration officials, and if necessary to take legal action on behalf of their states.

COPY OF LETTER

March 22, 2017

Dear [Name],

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) met with Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer to discuss ways to keep families together and protect immigrants from President Trump's draconian immigration policies.

"We are pursuing every opportunity to protect immigrants and families from President Trump's misguided immigration policies," said Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham. "Caucus members oppose the President's efforts to pay for a mass deportation force and border wall, both of which have resulted in mass hysteria and real harm in our communities. We count on Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Schumer, as important allies in our fight for a fair and effective immigration system that reflects our values as a nation."

Washington, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement on the announcement that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would begin publishing the "Declined Detainer Outcome Report," a report designed to shame local law enforcement agencies that decide not hold an individual beyond the point at which the person would otherwise be released from custody and to intimidate local agencies and cities with the veiled threat of losing federal funding:

Washington, D.C. – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement, calling on Speaker Ryan and Republican leaders to remove Congressman Steve King from his position as Chair of the Constitution and Civil Justice Judiciary Subcommittee:

"Congressman Steve King's history of racist and xenophobic remarks is unacceptable and does not have a place in the halls of the United States Congress. That is why we call on Speaker Ryan to condemn Mr. King's statements by immediately removing him as Chairman of the Constitution and Civil Justice Judiciary Subcommittee. This will send a strong message that America's strength is built on its diversity and that members of Congress will stand united against bigotry in any form."

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