Stop Aggressive Deportations and Implement Humane Immigration Reform

The recent events at New York City's 26 Federal Plaza have exposed a deeply troubling pattern of aggressive deportation practices that are tearing families apart and instilling fear in immigrant communities. I urge you to take immediate action to halt these chaotic and violent detentions and work towards implementing a clear, humane immigration process with a path to citizenship. The situation at 26 Federal Plaza is dire. Immigrants attending routine hearings are being subjected to violent detentions, as exemplified by Monica Moreta Galarza's experience of being thrown to the ground while her husband was detained. Journalists documenting these incidents have been physically assaulted, and families with small children have been caught in the chaos. This building has become ground zero for ICE deportations in NYC, with half of the 3,320 immigrants detained in the area between Trump's inauguration and July 2023 arrested there. What's particularly alarming is that about 75% of those arrested at 26 Federal Plaza did not have past criminal convictions or pending charges. This contradicts the government's claim of targeting dangerous criminals and instead points to a system that is indiscriminately terrorizing law-abiding immigrants. As a result, many are now avoiding court hearings out of fear, further complicating their legal situations and undermining our justice system. While I acknowledge that 54% of respondents in a recent poll supported deporting people who are in the US illegally, I believe this support is based on misconceptions about the nature of these deportations and their impact on our communities. The current approach is not only inhumane but also counterproductive, as it erodes trust in our institutions and prevents immigrants from fully contributing to our society. I implore you to take the following actions: 1. Immediately suspend aggressive detention practices at 26 Federal Plaza and other similar locations. 2. Launch an investigation into the reported incidents of violence against immigrants and journalists. 3. Work with your colleagues to draft and pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation that includes a clear path to citizenship for law-abiding immigrants. 4. Implement policies that prioritize family unity and community safety over indiscriminate deportations. The chaos must stop. We need a fair, transparent, and humane immigration system that reflects our values as a nation of immigrants. Your leadership on this issue is crucial in ensuring that people like Monica Moreta Galarza do not continue to face injustices similar to those they fled in their home countries. Let us work together to create an immigration process that upholds human dignity and strengthens our communities.