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Lofgren Statement on Trump’s Immigration Executive Actions

January 25, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, today issued the following statement today after President Trump signed orders to build an taxpayer-funded wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and block federal resources to sanctuary cities:

"I am undertaking a thorough analysis of President Trump's executive orders on immigration today, and will be issuing a more comprehensive review soon.

"In the meantime, it appears President Trump is reinstituting a number of programs that failed and thusly were terminated including Secure Communities and Section 287(g). The programs were ineffective. Further, some local governments faced monetary judgments against them when individuals' rights were violated pursuant to the operation of these programs.

"President Trump had previously said he would target dangerous criminals for deportation, a policy established by President Obama. These orders appear to depart from his prior statements.

"It appears he has plans for a massive expansion of interior enforcement, tripling the number of ICE agents and targeting all individuals without legal status. We can only assume President Trump intends to engage in widespread raids in communities across America. Raids in past years terrorized law abiding communities, disrupted family life and harmed the economy.

"These executive orders seem to be based on the flawed premise that immigrants and refugees are criminals and undesirable elements who harm our country. Trump's actions will harm America and will lead to more family separations, disruption at our southern border and will make it more difficult for us to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world.

"I will stand with my Democratic colleagues to speak the truth and to fight to protect the innocent families, women and children President Trump has targeted today."

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