Florida Dem criticizes Trump admin immigration polices for uptick in detentions
U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Democrat from Florida, made strong statements urging people to take action against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She visited the ICE Krome Detention Center in Miami and then held a news conference on Instagram Live where she encouraged individuals to call and threaten congressional lawmakers.
During her visit to the ICE facility, Wilson expressed surprise at the detainees she encountered. She expected to see dangerous criminals but instead found hardworking men, some of whom were mentally disturbed. Wilson criticized the Trump administration for the increase in migrant detentions, attributing it to the passing of the Laken Riley Act.
The Laken Riley Act, signed into law by President Trump shortly after taking office, directs ICE to detain illegal immigrants arrested for theft-related crimes or assaulting a police officer. The law also allows states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused by illegal immigration. The legislation was named after Riley, a nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant who had previously been arrested but not detained by ICE.
Wilson highlighted the impact of the Laken Riley Act on the detainee population, emphasizing that individuals could be arrested for minor offenses like jaywalking or shoplifting and end up in detention centers. She called for public action, urging people to take to the streets, make phone calls, and write letters to demand change.
Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson’s offices in Washington and Florida for further comment on her statements. The congresswoman’s call-to-action underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and enforcement in the United States.
