U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., called on people to contact and threaten congressional lawmakers in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Wilson made these comments after visiting a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility and holding a news conference on Instagram Live. She encouraged individuals to call a certain phone number and express their disapproval of the policies, emphasizing the need for citizens to take action and demand change. Wilson believes that a collective effort, involving protests, phone calls, and letter-writing campaigns, is necessary to push back against the administration’s immigration practices.
During her visit to the ICE Krome Detention Center in Miami, Wilson shared her observations of the detainees, noting that they were primarily hard-working men with varying levels of literacy and some who suffered from mental health issues. She expressed disappointment in not finding the dangerous criminals she had expected to see, suggesting that the detainees did not fit the stereotype often portrayed. Wilson attributed the increase in migrant detentions to the Laken Riley Act, a bill signed by President Trump shortly after taking office. The legislation directs ICE to detain illegal immigrants charged with certain offenses, including theft-related crimes and assault on a police officer.
The Laken Riley Act, which allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused by illegal immigration, was named after a nursing student who was killed by an illegal immigrant on the University of Georgia campus. Wilson believes that this law has led to a rise in detainments of individuals who may otherwise have gone unnoticed. She criticized the administration for its aggressive enforcement of immigration policies and called for a collective response from the public to challenge these measures. Wilson’s efforts to mobilize people through phone calls and protests reflect her commitment to advocating for changes to the existing immigration system.
The congresswoman’s past disputes with President Trump have influenced her outspoken stance on immigration issues, and her recent visit to an ICE facility served to shed light on the conditions faced by detainees. Wilson’s criticism of the Laken Riley Act and its impact on migrant detentions underscores her concerns about the treatment of undocumented individuals within the immigration enforcement system. By publicly urging people to voice their opposition to current policies and demand reform, Wilson is seeking to harness public support for change and hold lawmakers accountable for their decisions.
Despite facing criticism and scrutiny for her comments, Wilson remains steadfast in her efforts to draw attention to the plight of detainees within the immigration system. Her advocacy for a grassroots movement to challenge the Trump administration’s immigration policies demonstrates her commitment to fighting for the rights of undocumented individuals and pushing for reforms. By encouraging people to engage in activism through phone calls and other forms of protest, Wilson aims to create a groundswell of public pressure that can effect change in the immigration system. As debates over immigration policy continue to unfold, Wilson’s call to action serves as a reminder of the power of citizen engagement in shaping political decisions and holding elected officials accountable for their actions.
