Luz Rivas: “I thank Congresswoman Dexter and Congressman Tonko for hosting this conversation that shines a light on ICE's cruelty. I…”

“I thank Congresswoman Dexter and Congressman Tonko for hosting this conversation that shines a light on ICE's cruelty. I have seen firsthand the cruelty of ICE in my district, the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. Last year, a mother and two children were detained at the Van Nuys Courthouse after a judge dismissed their asylum case. They were immediately taken by ICE and sent to the Dilley detention center in Texas. My casework team worked to release them from ICE custody and return them back to Van Nuys. I am grateful for my team, for working to keep my constituents safe, and for helping to bring them home. However, they never should have been in this position. My constituents were following the rules and obeying the laws, and ICE still took them and sent them to Texas to live in horrid conditions. They were part of the over 68,000 people who have been in ICE detention, and the kids were part of the over 3,800 children booked into ICE custody. ICE is terrorizing families and inflicting unspeakable harm on our most vulnerable. Despite all of this, Donald Trump and Republicans continue to refuse to hold ICE accountable. Children, parents, and our communities are not safe if ICE continues to operate as is. To truly protect them, ICE must be abolished.”