Congresswoman Wilson Calls for Public Action Against Immigration Detention Policies

U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson from Florida has made a bold call to action, urging citizens to contact congressional lawmakers regarding the recent spike in illegal immigration detentions. This announcement followed her visit to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

Visit to ICE Facility in Miami

On Thursday, Wilson toured the ICE Krome Detention Center located in Miami before addressing the public via an Instagram Live news conference. During her visit, she revealed that she had been distributing phone numbers for lawmakers in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Empowering the Public

“Here’s the number you call, and you need to voice your concerns. This is wrong. This is not America. This is not what we stand for. We need a change,” Wilson stated passionately. She emphasized the importance of grassroots activism by encouraging citizens to take to the streets, make phone calls, and write letters to their representatives.

Expectations vs. Reality Inside the ICE Facility

Prior to entering the ICE facility, Wilson expressed her expectations of witnessing dangerous criminals being held in detention. She remarked, “I wanted to see where these dangerous people were that they had picked up and put in a detention center.” Contrary to her expectations, Wilson reported seeing hardworking individuals during her visit.

Insights from the Detention Center

Wilson recounted the variety of individuals she encountered, noting that some were more literate than others, while some appeared to be struggling with mental health issues. This revelation starkly contrasted the widespread narrative that often paints immigrants in negative lights.

Legislative Background on Increased Detentions

Wilson attributed the rising number of migrants facing detention to the Laken Riley Act, legislation signed by former President Donald Trump shortly after he took office. The act mandates that ICE detain illegal immigrants who are arrested for theft-related crimes or accused of assaulting police officers.

The Implications of the Laken Riley Act

This law also permits states to file lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security for any harm they believe illegal immigration causes to their citizens. Wilson focused on the story behind the bill, which bears the name of a nursing student who was tragically killed in an incident involving an illegal immigrant.

The Impact on Law-Abiding Individuals

Wilson pointed out that under the Laken Riley Act, innocent individuals can find themselves detained for minor offenses such as jaywalking or shoplifting. “The Laken Riley Act has led to an increase in detainees, and these are people who have been living in the U.S. for a long time,” she explained.

Encouraging Legislative Change Through Public Engagement

She concluded her speech with a resounding statement on the need for public involvement: “We need the people. We need an uprising where individuals take to the streets and use their voices to make change. That’s what is essential right now.” Wilson’s call to action highlights the critical role that citizens can play in influencing immigration policies.

Awaiting Responses from Lawmakers

Fox News Digital has made attempts to contact Wilson’s offices in both Washington and Florida to gather more information about her initiatives and strategies moving forward. With ongoing debates surrounding immigration, Wilson’s push for a collective public response stands as a reminder of democracy’s reliance on active participation.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Public Advocacy

As discussions surrounding immigration policies continue to evolve, the role of public advocacy will remain vital. Activists and citizens alike must consider how their voices can influence lawmakers and impact legislation in ways that reflect community values and priorities. Wilson’s passionate appeal calls for a unified front, urging citizens to engage actively in the democratic process and stand against policies they view as unjust.