Delia C. Ramirez

Congresswoman Ramirez on Republican Targeting of Trans Youth, Subpoena of Chicago Public School Leadership

Position: Congresswoman Ramirez opposes Republican efforts to target Chicago Public Schools and trans youth through congressional subpoenas and hearings. She argues that schools should be sanctuary spaces that affirm and protect LGBTQI+ students.

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after Republicans in the House Education and Workforce Committee subpoenaed the CEO of Chicago Public Schools to testify at a hearing targeting trans youth. “I often say that fascism requires a public enemy. Whether it is immigrants, Black voters, Palestinian activists, or trans youth, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress consistently employ scapegoating and persecution to stoke fear, consolidate power, and divert focus from their unpopular, destructive, and dangerous agenda. Any place or space that welcomes, protects, loves, and affirms those Trump’s white Christian nationalist, authoritarian government would deem ‘enemy,’ becomes a target of the regime’s attacks. Yesterday, with their subpoena of Chicago Public School leadership, Republicans have set their sights on our schools. Schools are meant to be sanctuary spaces for our young people– including those of the LGBTQI+ community – to dream, grow, and realize their full potential. Parents, teachers, mentors, advocates, and neighbors across Chicago work together every day to realize the safe, loving, and affirming school environments EVERY child deserves. The targeting of the Chicago Public Schools– and school districts that prioritize the well-being of and care for diverse children – is just another tactic to punish and persecute the communities resisting authoritarianism and standing against bigotry. Our communities won’t be bullied, and we won’t bend a knee. We won’t betray the fundamental belief that every child is precious and deserving of dignity, love, care, and opportunity. On June 10, we will continue to defend our LGBTQI+ children.” Issues: Education

Congresswoman Ramirez, Human Rights Organizations Call for Recommitment to Human Rights, Dismantling of Systems of Oppression, including DHS and Defense

Position: Congresswoman Ramirez introduced a resolution calling for a U.S. Human Rights Commission and outlining policy commitments including affordable housing, universal healthcare, climate resilience, humane immigration policies, abolition of detention, dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security, and redirection of Defense Department funding.

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and national human rights leaders introduced the Renewed Mandate for Human Rights, a resolution to designate a United States Human Rights Commission. The resolution also serves as a comprehensive roadmap outlining the policies members of Congress must commit to, including affordable housing, universal health care, climate resilience, humane immigration, the abolition of detention, the dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security, the redirecting of the Department of Defense’s funding, and more. Image

Ramirez Demands CBP End Detainment and Return Parents of US Citizen Teen with Terminal Cancer

Position: Congresswoman Ramirez opposes immigration enforcement practices including detention, visa denials, and border enforcement operations. She advocates for ending all detention, abolishing ICE, and dismantling DHS as necessary steps to protect immigrant families.

Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement on the case of Kevin Gonzalez, her 18-year-old constituent with stage 4 colon cancer, whose parents were detained by CBP in Arizona after trying to cross the border to reunite with their son and say goodbye. The statement comes after Congresswoman Ramirez worked to ensure the expedited return of Kevin’s parents. Kevin – who is currently in México – is expected to reunite with his parents. “We don’t have to look far to find the disastrous, painful effect of the Trump administration's anti-immigrant campaign. This week, we were witnesses to the story of Kevin Gonzalez, a young man – my constituent – dying of colon cancer whose only wish was to see his parents one last time. We heard his plea for CBP to release his parents before it was too late. After a month of uncertainty, I am relieved to say that today, a judge has ordered the expedited return of his parents. The ruling is a sign that when we fight, we win. But the work is not done. My office, with the support of the Mexican consulate in Chicago and Arizona and their legal team, continues tirelessly to ensure the Gonzalez family is reunited without delay. I am proud to be part of a coalition fighting to ensure that families remain together and the rule of law is upheld. The Gonzalez family belongs together, safe and united as they face Kevin’s illness together. Rejecting visas to Kevin’s family did not protect our communities. Putting families through the pain, stress, and fear of separation is not making our loved ones safer. Detaining immigrants for months in for-profit, inhumane detentions is not securing our nation. But the cruelty and the pain are the point. So we must be clear that the only way our families will be safe, protected, and secure is by ending all detention, abolishing ICE, and dismantling DHS. Anything short of that will be a disservice to the families impacted by the Department of Terror.” Issues: Immigration

Ramirez Statement on Illinois State Police Launching an Investigation Into the Murder of Silverio Villegas González

Position: Congresswoman Ramirez expresses support for the Illinois State Police investigation into the death of Silverio Villegas González and calls for accountability for federal agents involved. She advocates for abolishing ICE and dismantling DHS, and demands justice for families affected by Department of Homeland Security enforcement actions.

Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement on the Illinois State Police investigation that was launched into the murder of Silverio Villegas González: “The recently announced investigation by the Illinois State Police into the murder of Silverio Villegas González by federal agents is a needed step towards accountability and justice. I am clear: the investigation is the direct result of unrelenting pressure from our coalition. For months, organizers, rapid responders, and public officials at every level of government have been fighting and demanding an independent investigation into the murder of Silverio Villegas. Those same community leaders have been on the ground, documenting the Trump administration’s abuses of power and demanding accountability – not just for Silverio, but for every family harmed by the violence of DHS. While the opening of an investigation is an important step, it is only the beginning. We must keep fighting to ensure that every single family that has been terrorized by DHS sees the justice they deserve. Together, we will hold those who have perpetrated violence accountable, abolish ICE, and dismantle DHS.” Issues: Peace Building and Security Immigration

Ramirez, García, Jackson, Local Officials Hold Field Hearing on Urgency of Raising Minimum Wage

Position: The representatives support raising the federal minimum wage and highlight the urgency of this policy through a field hearing featuring testimony from affected workers and local officials.

Chicago, IL — Today, Congressmembers Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) and Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), co-leads of the Living Wage for All Act, joined by original co-sponsor Congressman Jonathan Jackson (IL-01) and local public officials, held a field hearing on the urgent need to raise wages. The field hearing served as a forum to elevate the testimonies of impacted individuals and elevate the case for raising the minimum wage in Congress. State Senator Graciela Guzman, State Representative Norma Hernandez, the latter serving as the lead sponsor to raise the minimum wage to $27 an hour in the state of Illinois, and Alderwoman Rosanna Rodriguez Sanchez participated in the hearing. Image

Ramirez Statement on the Passage of DHS Funding Bill

Position: Ramirez opposes the DHS funding bill, stating it inadequately constrains ICE and CBP funding, lacks necessary reforms and guardrails, and permits fund transfers between agencies. She advocates for dismantling DHS and replacing it with a new structure that prioritizes humanitarian concerns alongside security.

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement on the passage of the Senate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill: "Today, the House passed a DHS funding bill, and just like that, the shutdown is over. While I am relieved that essential employees will receive their paychecks, I am disappointed that I was not given an opportunity to cast a vote on the bill. For the record, I would have voted NO on the DHS funding bill, just as I voted no on the reconciliation bill to authorize $140B in additional funding for ICE and CBP. The Senate Bill passed by voice vote today is a win for our movement in that it did not have ICE funding, BUT it includes funding for CBP, does not include reforms or guardrails, gives permission to transfer funds to ICE and CBP, and continues to allow the department to manipulate emergency authorizations and abuse our data. Taken together, passing the DHS funding bill and the reconciliation bill ensures more of the same from DHS. DHS must be dismantled, and something new must take its place– something that honors our shared humanity and our security." Issues: Peace Building and Security Immigration Democracy

Ramirez, García, Simon, Mejia Workers & Labor Leaders Introduce the Living Wage for All Act

Position: The representatives advocate for raising the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour through a phased approach, with large employers reaching the target by 2031 and smaller employers by 2038, while eliminating subminimum wages for all worker categories.

Washington, DC — Today, days before the largest May Day mobilizations in years and hours before the King of England’s congressional address, Congressmembers Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Lateefah Simon (CA-12) and Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) stood with labor, civil rights, and economic justice leaders from across the country to introduce the Living Wage for All Act. The legislation is a landmark legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour — the floor that working families need to meet the real cost of living in America today. The Living Wage for All Act would raise the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour through a phased approach that reflects both the cost of living and the structure of the modern economy. The bill establishes a two-track phase-in, requiring large, highly profitable corporations to lead the transition. Large employers would reach $25 by 2031, while smaller employers would phase in more gradually, reaching $25 by 2038. The Living Wage for All Act also ensures wages do not fall behind again by establishing a standard that keeps the minimum wage aligned with typical wages across the economy. As the economy grows and wages rise, the minimum wage would rise with it. The legislation also eliminates all subminimum wages, including for tipped workers, youth workers, and workers with disabilities — ensuring that every worker is guaranteed a full wage from their employer, with no exceptions. “Growing up, I saw my immigrant parents and my neighbors working multiple minimum wage jobs just to survive. Today, companies are reporting record-high earnings while working people struggle to survive. Minimum wage is not a living wage. That’s not right. If we want to address the affordability crisis, we must also address the wage crisis,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Congress must stop entertaining Kings and the whims of wannabe kings and start working for working people. I am proud to stand with Congressmembers García and Mejia and the Living Wage For All Coalition to ensure that working people have every single thing they need to thrive.” “The need for a living wage couldn’t be clearer. The gap between the wealthy and everyone else keeps widening. Corporate profits are at a record high and bosses are actively cutting their workforces, undermining organizing efforts, and trying to replace labor entirely,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “Meanwhile, working families are struggling to pay their rent, buy groceries, and go to the doctor. It’s past time that workers are paid what they deserve.” “Housing, gas, and grocery costs have all surged, yet the federal minimum wage hasn’t been raised since 2009. This is unacceptable. No one working full time should be struggling to survive. We need an economy that reflects the realities of 2026, not one stuck over a decade ago. That’s why I led the fight to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. And it’s why I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez on the Living Wage for All Act to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour. This bill would transform millions of lives, ensuring working people earn a true living wage instead of being forced to choose between putting food on the table and taking care of their health. Americans deserve an economy that works for all, not just the billionaire class,” said Congresswoman Mejia. "For too long, our economy has relied on underpaying the very workers who keep this country running. That harm has fallen hardest on women, workers with disabilities, tipped workers, Black and brown workers, and working families already struggling to afford basic necessities," said Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. "I am proud to join Congresswoman Ramirez, Congressman Garcia, and Congresswoman Mejia in introducing the Living Wage for All Act because a living wage is the absolute floor. We're leading this effort to ensure every worker from Oakland to Chicago to Detroit to New Jersey gets the fair wage and dignity they deserve.” “This is a worker-led movement that has grown from the groundbreaking Fight for $15 into a nationwide push for a true living wage. Across the country — from California to the Midwest to the East Coast — workers are organizing for $25 and $30 because that is what it takes to live. The polling shows this is not just popular, it is necessary. And ‘for all’ means exactly that: no worker left behind. This is what it looks like when politics begins to catch up to reality — and when democracy delivers real improvements in people’s lives, it becomes tangible. A living wage is how we make that promise real,” said Saru Jayaraman, President, One Fair Wage The legislation is cosponsored by Reps Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar (TX-35), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Christian Menefee (TX-17), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Nydia Velazquez (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24). The legislation is endorsed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), RWDSU, NEA, AFT, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, PolicyLink, One Fair Wage, Popular Democracy, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Urban League (NUL), Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Alliance for a Just Society, Black Women’s Roundtable, National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, Patriotic Millionaires, Our Revolution, Common Cause, Voices for Progress (V4P), National Organization for Women (NOW), Chicago Education Advocacy Cooperative, ACLU of Hawai’i, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, Trabajadores Unidos Workers United (CA), La Colmena NY, Community Labor United, Pennsylvania Policy Center, The New York Progressive Action Network, New Disabled South, Rights & Democracy Vermont, Survivors Know, The Able Baker, Churches United for Fair Housing (CUFFH), Keystone Progress Education Fund (PA), San Francisco Living Wage Coalition, Make the Road NV, Las Doñas, Construyamos Otro Acuerdo (Puerto Rico), La Tejedora (Puerto Rico), Fuck You I Quit, and a growing List of Small Businesses: Beauty by Teal, Elysium Aesthetics Lounge LLC, Conscious Life Resources, Undermine, Black Remote She LLC, SEPA Mujer, Inc. “The introduction of the Living Wage for All Act is a powerful testament to the worker-led movement that is forcing a new baseline for livable wages. While the affordability crisis continues to squeeze working families, SEIU members are organizing and pushing for even higher standards across the country. We applaud Rep. Ramirez for this bold $25-an-hour proposal—an important step forward that's driven by workers demanding the money, power, and respect that they’ve earned,” said April Verrett, President of SEIU. "For 17 years, Washington has left the federal minimum wage at $7.25 while working people have fallen further behind. Our communities don’t need lip service or slogans — they're demanding real solutions that match the reality of this economy. A living wage is about dignity, but it is also about who holds power in this country. It is tied to every other fight for civil rights — from racial justice, to voting rights, to economic opportunity. When people are denied fair wages, they are denied the ability to fully participate in our democracy. The NAACP stands with this coalition because civil rights, racial justice, and economic justice are inseparable,” said Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of NAACP. “We cannot talk about affordability without talking about what people are paid. This bill is about holding corporate America accountable and not letting billionaires, corporations like Amazon, and CEOs get away with blaming everything else for an affordability crisis they are helping drive. While prices rise and profits grow, workers are still being paid poverty wages instead of a true living wage. That has to change if we are serious about dignity and fairness in this economy,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of RWDSU. “As the Trump administration rips more and more resources away from the classrooms and communities that need them most, all while handing more power and privilege to the wealthy and well-connected, workers across our country need this legislation now more than ever,” said Kimberly Johnson Trinca, Government Relations Director for the National Education Association. “By paying educators and education support professionals a living wage, they will earn the respect, competitive wages, and support they deserve to provide their students with the skills needed to fulfill their dreams. At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, the National Education Association is proud to stand up for the working class and support the Living Wage for All Act. An investment in workers is an investment in the future of public schools and our nation,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. “A living wage is about the kind of society we want - one where one job is enough; where if you work hard you will have a pathway to a life you and you r family can live on or one of constant struggle this also hugely impacts education When educators, paraprofessionals, school staff, and the families that make up our communities are paid less than what it takes to live, it destabilizes classrooms and weakens the foundation students rely on. When educators must work 2 and 4 jobs to make ends meet, how can they focus on their students. A true living wage is essential — and long overdue — to restoring dignity for workers, supporting families, and ensuring people can fully participate in their communities and in our democracy. That is how we build the thriving, stable environments every student deserves,” said Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers. "As business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, Voices for Progress members appreciate that The Living Wage for All Act supports employers like them who are not engaged in a race to the bottom on staff pay, and who recognize that putting money in the pockets of everyday Americans helps support local businesses. This moment reflects a growing recognition that affordability is not just about lowering prices — it’s about ensuring people are paid enough to live on, so we can build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top," said Sandra Fluke, President of Voices for Progress. "While 86% of Americans worry about the price of food, our billionaire president calls the affordability crisis a 'con job.' Wake up and smell the exploitation. There is one way to raise wages for American workers: Change the law,” said Ritchie Tabachnick, Member of Patriotic Millionaires. “Jeff Bezos thanked Amazon workers after his joyride into space for a reason: They paid for it—one grossly underpaid hour at a time. Smart businesspeople know that an economy based on consumer demand requires customers with money to spend. Unfortunately for everyone, including many rich people like us, it’s the opportunists and self-dealers, not the smart businesspeople, who are in the driver's seat. Buckle up, America, they’ll drive us over the cliff if we don’t stop them.” For the full text of the legislation, CLICK HERE. For the live video of the press conference, CLICK HERE. Background: The legislation reflects a national push to match wages with the rapidly growing cost of living. Across the country, campaigns are already moving at $25 and above — with $30 proposals advancing in Alameda County and Los Angeles, $27 legislation in Illinois, $30 efforts in New York, and $25 campaigns underway in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. These are part of a coordinated, multi-front strategy backed by a coalition of more than 100 labor, community, and social justice organizations. The Living Wage for All Act brings that momentum to the federal level — translating what workers and voters are already demanding across states and cities into a national standard. The federal minimum wage has remained stuck at $7.25 since 2009. For more than 17 years, workers have been impacted by rising costs for rent, groceries, childcare, and healthcare while their wages have remained stagnant. Issues: Jobs and the Economy

Ramirez Statement on Being Appointed Top Democrat in the CHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after being appointed as Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee of the House Homeland Security Committee: “Under Trump, Vance, Mullin, and Miller, it’s clear that the security of our communities’ information, federal networks, and critical infrastructure have not been priorities. Between the security failures of DOGE, the abuses of immigrant families’ data, and the decimation of CISA’s workforce and resources, Republicans have demonstrated a lack of interest in safeguarding our nation’s cybersecurity and our residents’ civil rights and privacy. In neglecting necessary oversight, Republicans have deregulated emerging technologies, allowed bad actors to profit from violations of our civil rights, and consented to the weaponization of government systems. It is more critical than ever that we assert our Congressional authority and disrupt the blatant corruption making us all less safe. I am thankful for my colleagues' trust in my track record of conducting oversight and holding the Trump administration and Republicans accountable. There is much work to do, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work to protect our data, rights and privacy, defend CISA’s mission, and dismantle DHS.” Issues: Peace Building and Security

Ramirez Leads Resolution Recognizing the Role of Housing in Keeping Families Together

Position: Congresswoman Ramirez opposes the Trump Administration's proposed HUD rule that would restrict federal housing assistance to mixed-status families, and calls on HUD to withdraw the rule and maintain current law allowing eligible family members to receive assistance regardless of other family members' immigration status.

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) led 27 members of Congress to introduce H. Res 1198, a resolution recognizing that stable housing keeps families together. The resolution responds to the Trump Administration’s proposed Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rule entitled “Housing and Community Development Act of 1980: Verification of Eligible Status.” The rule would upend the long-standing policy that has allowed families with mixed immigration status to live together while eligible family members receive HUD housing assistance. The resolution calls on the Secretary of HUD to withdraw the proposed rule and abide by section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and the underlying congressional intent, which allows mixed-status families to receive federal housing assistance. “At a time when housing instability is at an all-time high, the Trump administration's proposed rule is cruel and unfairly targets our immigrant communities. We know that stable housing, affordable rent, and accessible homeownership opportunities are part of the American dream. Yet, the Trump Administration would rather force citizens to choose between pursuing the American dream without their family or face eviction and homelessness together,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “ I’m proud to introduce H. Res 1198 because every member of Congress should recognize that stable housing is a fundamental human right. Every family deserves to stay whole and housed.” “The National Housing Law Project celebrates and endorses Representative Ramirez's resolution, which recognizes that stable housing keeps families together. The Trump administration's attempts to bypass existing housing law and scapegoat immigrant families are illegal and cruel and will force people into an impossible choice between their family or their housing. Rep. Ramirez's resolution affirms current law and that mixed-status families are American families,” said Shamus Roller, Executive Director at National Housing Law Project. "83% of Americans support health and social services for lawfully present immigrants, like those targeted by the HUD proposal," said Adriana Cadena, Executive Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition. “The American people want a government that meets the needs of its people, not one that forces the eviction of families with an out-of-control immigration policy. We applaud Congresswoman Ramirez and her colleagues for standing up for mixed-status immigrant families." The resolution is sponsored by Representatives Dan Goldman (NY-10), Nanette Barragan(CA-44), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (DC), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Yvette Clarke(NY-09), Hank Johnson Jr, (GA-04), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Suzanne Bonamici, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Scott Peters (CA-50), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), André Carson (IN-07), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), Al Green (TX-09), Christian Menefee (TX-18), and Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07). The resolution is endorsed by the National Housing Law Project (NHLP), Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), African Communities Together, Housing Action Illinois, National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Palenque LSNA, and LUCHA For the full legislative text, CLICK HERE. Issues: Housing

Congresswoman Ramirez, Senator Warren Demand Investigation into Trump Admin’s “Unlawful and Costly System” of Third-Country Deportations

Position: The lawmakers oppose the Trump administration's practice of deporting individuals to third countries without proper due process, arguing it violates U.S. law and the Constitution, and call for an investigation into the scope and legality of these removals.

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Global Migration, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), along with Representative Troy Carter (LA-07), pressed the Inspectors General of the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State to open an investigation into the Trump administration’s attempts to deport people to countries they have no ties to. The escalation comes after the Departments of State and Homeland Security failed to comply with an investigation into these practices that Congresswoman Ramirez and Senator Warren opened in September 2025. It also follows the February 25, 2026, federal court ruling that declared that a third-country removal system violates the U.S. Constitution and immigration law. Even so, DHS’s 2025 guidance on third-country removals — which does not appear to have been updated since the February 2026 court ruling — states that the Department can deport individuals to third countries without any individualized process whatsoever. “We request that your offices evaluate the Trump Administration’s unlawful and costly system of third-country removals,” wrote the lawmakers. “Congress and the public deserve answers to better understand the scale of legal violations within this system that was recently ruled unconstitutional.” Since President Trump took office for a second time, his administration has deported hundreds of people, including children, long-time U.S. residents, and individuals with no criminal records, to countries they are not from and that were not designated for their removal, which U.S. immigration law only allows in rare circumstances. Deportees are being sent to third countries without proper due process, and in some cases without being provided an opportunity to voice concerns that their life or freedom would be in danger in that third country. Some people deported to third countries have reported torture, arbitrary detention, and forced return to their countries of origin, where courts have found they are likely to face persecution and other human rights violations. Many people first learn they are being deported to a third country while on an overseas flight. It has been reported that some DHS attorneys have reportedly threatened asylum seekers that they may be deported to third countries in order to pressure them to abandon their asylum claims and accept deportation to their home countries. “Such reports cast serious doubt on DoS’s process, if one exists, of verifying the reliability of countries’ assertions that they will not torture or persecute deportees, or transport them onward to other countries where they’re likely to face torture or persecution,” added the lawmakers. “Meanwhile, the Administration is continuing to execute third-country deportations. As of early March, ICE had over 500 people in its custody slated for third-country deportations, and DHS signaled that it had its sights on deporting over 8,000 people to third countries.” To persuade countries to accept deportees, the Trump Administration has used a combination of threats and payments, including paying $32 million to El Salvador, Rwanda, Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, and Palau. The lawmakers asked that the Inspector General’s investigation include the administration’s failure to follow due process, negotiations with foreign governments, evaluating the risk of torture and persecution, and the cost of third-country deportations. Representatives Donald Beyer (VA-08), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Dwight Evans (PA-03), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús García (IL-04), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Adam Smith (WA-09) signed on to this letter. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jackie Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) signed on to this letter. For the full letter, CLICK HERE. Issues: Immigration