Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-23

VICTIMS OF IMMIGRATION ACTIONS

Immigration

Context

On 2026-04-23, Representative Robert Menendez (D-NJ-8) delivered a floor speech titled "VICTIMS OF IMMIGRATION ACTIONS" in the House. The speech addressed immigration.

Full Text

VICTIMS OF IMMIGRATION ACTIONS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3081-H3082] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1110 VICTIMS OF IMMIGRATION ACTIONS (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with more heartbreaking stories about the victims of the Trump administration's violent and immoral immigration actions. In my visits to Delaney Hall, I have met with fathers, mothers, and even a pastor who pose no threat to the safety of our communities. Mr. Speaker, I carry with me the story of a constituent who has protected status in this country, but for over a year has been detained in Texas and persistently threatened with efforts to remove her to a third country. Each time ICE failed to do so, until last week, when I found out that, in the dead of night, ICE took her from this country, from her family, and where she is supposed to be protected, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where if we do not get her back, she will die. For 15 months, we have seen the Trump administration tear apart our communities, kill American citizens in broad daylight, and inflict unimaginable pain on so many, including our children. In each unspeakable moment, Republicans have been silent, and they have been complicit in the brutalization of our neighbors. Their silence will never be forgotten. Whatever they choose to do or not to do, they need to know this: House Democrats and the American people will never bend. We will never relent, and we will fight on until we finally end this national nightmare. [[Page H3082]] ____________________

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VICTIMS OF IMMIGRATION ACTIONS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Pages H3081-H3082] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1110 VICTIMS OF IMMIGRATION ACTIONS (Mr. MENENDEZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with more heartbreaking stories about the victims of the Trump administration's violent and immoral immigration actions. In my visits to Delaney Hall, I have met with fathers, mothers, and even a pastor who pose no threat to the safety of our communities. Mr. Speaker, I carry with me the story of a constituent who has protected status in this country, but for over a year has been detained in Texas and persistently threatened with efforts to remove her to a third country. Each time ICE failed to do so, until last week, when I found out that, in the dead of night, ICE took her from this country, from her family, and where she is supposed to be protected, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where if we do not get her back, she will die. For 15 months, we have seen the Trump administration tear apart our communities, kill American citizens in broad daylight, and inflict unimaginable pain on so many, including our children. In each unspeakable moment, Republicans have been silent, and they have been complicit in the brutalization of our neighbors. Their silence will never be forgotten. Whatever they choose to do or not to do, they need to know this: House Democrats and the American people will never bend. We will never relent, and we will fight on until we finally end this national nightmare. [[Page H3082]] ____________________