California Legislative Caucuses Unite Against Policies that Separate Families at the Border
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, members of the California Latino Legislative Caucus were joined in unity by immigrant rights organizations and leaders of the Legislative Black, Women’s, Asian/Pacific Islander, LGBT and Jewish Caucuses in denouncing Trump Administration policies that rip families apart at the border. The leaders also encouraged participation in tomorrow’s “National Day of Action for Children.”
Latino Caucus Chair Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) said, “As a Caucus we are deeply troubled by the Trump Administration's vicious policies that break up immigrant families on American soil. It is beyond human decency to deliberately separate children from their families without regard for the best interests of children. But it’s happening every day. We call on this callous Administration and on the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to stop these attacks on immigrants and stop ripping families apart.”
“We must stand up against these wrongs and make clear that regardless of where you come from, once you are here, you can expect to be treated with compassion and dignity,” said Assemblymember Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-San Bernardino). “On behalf of the Legislative women’s caucus we must demand respect for all families. “
“The Trump Administration’s decision to deliberately separate children from their parents, to spread fear as a deterrent to seeking safe refuge in the United States is barbaric and cruel,” stated Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), member of both the Women’s and Latino Caucuses. “Children, sometimes as young as eighteen months, being torn from their parents’, hands is an assault to human decency so malignant that it will leave another unforgettable stain on this country’s history. On the day before the National Day of Action to #EndFamilySeparation, our coalition of Legislative Caucuses, stands up for Californians in condemning policies that hurt immigrant children and demand Congress work to protect their futures.”
“Separating families in search for safety is inhumane and goes against our nation's founding principles,” said Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. “The API Legislative Caucus stands united against this attack on immigrants and those who are seeking asylum in our country. We urge the Trump administration to cease these cruel actions and allow parents and their children to remain together.”
California Legislative Black Caucus Chair, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) said, “People want to believe that we aren’t a country that destroys families, but this is a shameful concept that America was built on. From the times of slavery, the failed war on drugs, over-policing, and over-incarceration of Black people, the Black family unit has been under attack. These attacks continue to exasperate 'post traumatic slave syndrome,' or PTSS, as described by Dr. Joy DeGruy. PTSS triggered by separation directly correlates with what many have experienced with ICE: significant and long-lasting harm at emotional, economic, developmental and academic levels. We can’t afford to continuously repeat the same mistakes, knowing full well the wreckage we make of future generations of American citizens.”
“As chair of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, as a father, and as a son, it resonates something dreadful to me – the thought of a policy so perverse that it literally uses parental love as a weapon of fear,” said Assemblymember Marc Levine, (D-Marin County). “Turning away refugees, locking our doors, and closing our hearts to people fleeing violence and death is short-sighted and cruel, and we cannot be silent about it.”
“The California Legislative LGBT Caucus stands with our colleagues in opposing policies that needlessly separate families at our border,” Assemblymember Evan Low, (D-Silicon Valley). “The hateful policies imposed by the Trump administration cannot be our legacy.”
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The California Latino Legislative Caucus serves as a forum for members from the State Senate and Assembly to identify key issues affecting Latinos and develop avenues to empower the Latino Community throughout California. Following in the footsteps of generations of pioneering Latinos who settled and helped build this great state, Latino legislators united in 1973 to maximize their power notwithstanding their limited numbers. Since its creation 45 years ago, the Caucus has grown in both numbers and stature. It boasts a rich history of legislative and political success and serves as one of the most influential and strategic organizations in California.
