Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Joins Faith Leaders to Call for Budget that Reinvests in Communities and Cuts Immigration Enforcement

Washington, DC—Today Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) joined the Faith In Action's immigrants' rights campaign, LA RED, American Friends Service Committee, Bend the Arc, Church World Service and the Friends Committee on National Legislation to call for a humane budget that invests in communities and cuts funding for immigration enforcement agencies. Congressman García issued the following statement:

"We stand here today in solidarity with the thousands of individuals and families being held by our government in jails for immigrants, otherwise known as detention centers. We stand in solidarity with individuals and families who seek a fair asylum hearing and safety from violence for their children.

"We are outraged by report after report of sexual assaults, spoiled food, children in cages and unhealthy conditions in the detention centers set up by our government.

"The conditions are so unsafe that children like 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo and 7-year-old Jakelin Caal have died in detention centers. This is wrong.

"Recently we learned about a little girl, a U.S. citizen, who was detained while crossing the border and held for over 30 hours without her parents knowing her whereabouts. This is wrong.

"Instead of putting immigrants in jail, we must cut funding for the cruel policies of the Trump administration and work to pass the Dream and Promise Act, and comprehensive immigration reform. Instead of more funding for immigration enforcement agencies to tear families apart, we should be helping families and funding affordable health care."

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