A massive coalition of Democratic lawmakers gathered at the Cannon House Office Building on Tuesday to challenge the Department of Homeland Security following reports of a spike in DACA-related deportations.
Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), alongside the Black, Asian Pacific American, and Progressive caucuses, held a press conference at 12:30 PM to address data confirming that 174 DACA applicants have been removed from the U.S. since the current administration’s second term began.
The lawmakers characterized these enforcement actions as a “wrongful targeting” of individuals who have historically been protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Under existing rules, DACA recipients are required to undergo rigorous background checks every two years to maintain their legal standing.
The press conference highlighted specific cases of rapid removal, including that of Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez. According to her daughter, Damaris Bello, the 42-year-old had lived in the United States for over 25 years under protected status. Bello reported that her mother was detained during a green card interview last month and deported to Mexico within 24 hours.
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“DACA recipients undergo rigorous background checks every two years and deserve due process under the law,” the caucus members stated in a joint release. “Arrests and removals of Dreamers tear families apart and destabilize communities, reinforcing the urgent need for Congress to deliver permanent protections.”
The event featured high-profile legislative leaders, including CHC Chairman Adriano Espaillat and Rep. Sylvia Garcia, the primary sponsor of the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act. They were joined by New Democrat Coalition Chair Brad Schneider, CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu, and representatives from the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
The coalition’s primary objective was to demand an immediate halt to these removals and to push for a legislative solution that provides permanent residency for “Dreamers.” National immigrant rights advocates also stood with the members of Congress, calling for transparency from DHS regarding the shift in enforcement priorities that led to the 174 confirmed deportations.
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