Congresswoman Ramirez Statement on Trump Signing Federal Legislation to Erode Due Process

Chicago, IL — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after Trump signed his first bill into law, eroding constitutional rights to due process and profiling immigrants and communities of color. H.R. 29/S. 5 clears the path for indefinite detention without charge or conviction of any undocumented immigrant.

“Today, Trump signed a law that allows law enforcement to profile communities of color and disregard due process based on accusations - not charges or convictions. We have already seen the impact of federal agents empowered to violate our civil rights: raids that target immigrants without criminal records and the detention of veterans and citizens. Disregarding, eroding, or suspending the foundations of our constitutional rights makes us all less safe. Quick off the heels of today’s signing, Trump announced he will sign an Executive Order to build a detention camp at Guantanamo Bay. Trump’s actions are about filling detention beds so that those with stocks in the private prison industry profit. 

But let me be clear that this first week of the Trump Administration, communities proved we are organized to protect our families and neighbors and “very well educated” about our civil rights. Our communities have sent a clear message: You have no mandate to harm our neighbors or profit from our pain. We will stand up and fight back.“

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