Congressman Smith Statement on Concerning Immigration and Customs Enforcement Actions
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in response to extremely disturbing reports in numerous states across the country that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been targeting individuals who have a legal right under current law to be in the United States:
“Any attempt by the Trump Administration to reverse course on long-standing protections afforded under the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is completely unacceptable. To deport those acting in accordance with DACA flies in the face of American ideals, and shuts the door on members of our communities who have done no harm. Anyone facing deportation proceedings must be afforded appropriate access to counsel, and their due process rights protected.
“Under the Obama Administration, I raised serious concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities and called for transparency about the agency’s actions. I strongly believe that our immigration policy can be conducted in a way that keeps families together, benefits the economy, and protects the rights of the vulnerable. The Trump Administration must keep Congress updated about the goals and objectives of these “enforcement actions,” and well as the process and procedure by which they are being carried out.
“I call upon the Department of Homeland Security, as well as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to clarify their standards on DACA recipients. Senselessly scaring communities through a lack of transparency and strong-arm tactics is shameful.”