Senator Miranda responds to ICE detaining individuals outside of immigration court in Phoenix

Yesterday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents waited outside of a Phoenix immigration court to detain individuals who had shown up for their scheduled hearings. The total number of individuals detained is unclear, but they all face deportation from the United States. Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Catherine Miranda, who is ranking member on the Senate Military Affairs and Border Security committee, released the following statement:

“ICE said that they cannot provide details of any operations for safety reasons – but what about the safety of the immigrant community? Many of whom have come to the U.S. to avoid dangerous living conditions in their home country.

From the beginning, the Trump Administration has stated that they are going after ‘hardened criminals.’ However, ICE’s actions in Seattle, Santa Ana, and now Phoenix show otherwise. Agents showing up to detain people after their hearings is not only unprecedented, but also absolutely reprehensible.  

The individuals who were detained were trying to come to the U.S. ‘the right way,’ but were detained because they are an easy target. I am calling on my colleagues in Congress to create a permanent pathway to citizenship. Until then, I will continue to fight against people and institutions that are harming my community.”