President Donald Trump will jail people ‘for practicing diversity,’ ‘Squad’ Democrat claims
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a member of the progressive “Squad” in the House of Representatives, has raised concerns about the Trump administration potentially imprisoning individuals in the United States for non-criminal reasons, regardless of their legal status. Pressley’s remarks came after visiting college students Rumeysa Ozturk and Mahmoud Khalil, who are currently being held at an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on accusations of espousing pro-Hamas beliefs. While neither Ozturk nor Khalil are U.S. citizens, they are in the country legally, with Khalil being a legal permanent resident and Ozturk holding a student visa.
During a press conference following the visit, Pressley emphasized the broader implications of these cases, warning that all individuals residing in the country could be at risk under the current administration. She pointed out that individuals could potentially face imprisonment for a variety of reasons, such as a miscarriage, practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion, or even reading a banned book.
Pressley, alongside fellow Massachusetts Democrats Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Jim McGovern, highlighted the alleged mistreatment of Khalil and Ozturk at the ICE facility in Louisiana. She described their conditions as torture, with reports of sleep deprivation and denial of basic essentials. Pressley called for the immediate release of the two individuals, emphasizing the need for due process and justice.
The congresswoman also criticized the alleged removal of Ozturk’s hijab by a nurse at the facility, citing a lack of religious accommodation and intimidation tactics used against the detainees. McGovern echoed Pressley’s concerns, warning that if the government can imprison individuals like Khalil and Ozturk without due process, no one is safe from potential targeting.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refuted the claims, calling them “unequivocally false.” The spokesperson emphasized that Ozturk had access to legal counsel and medical care, and her dormitory had not exceeded capacity. The DHS maintained that Ozturk’s visa was a privilege, not a right, and that visa revocations are made based on national security threats.
Pressley and her colleagues’ visit to the ICE facility follows a series of actions taken by Democrats to address immigration-related issues, including efforts to secure the return of wrongfully deported individuals like Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The Massachusetts progressives are continuing to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of all individuals, regardless of their legal status.
As the debate over immigration policies and detainment practices continues, Pressley’s warnings about potential abuses of power by the Trump administration serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding due process and human rights for all individuals within the country.
