(UPDATED)Arizona Democratic Reaction to ICE/Trump’s Gestapo Detaining People in Phoenix For Following the Law

So much for going after the worst of the worst or hardened criminals.

In an asinine move that will only make matters worse and drives innocent immigrants underground, the Trump Gestapo, otherwise known as ICE, is spending time at the Phoenix Courthouse parking lot over the last two days, where judges preside over immigration hearings so they can detain innocent people after federal prosecutors drop cases against them so they can be arrested and deported according to the new immigration guidelines imposed by the American Duce Wannabe and his MAGA White Nationalist Zealots.

Again, is is important to stress this again. These people did nothing wrong. They were following the rules they agreed to when they entered the country.

None of these people have violent criminal records.

Arizona Democratic leaders have reacted to these cruel, moronic, and UnAmerican actions.

Governor Katie Hobbs posted:

“My office is in contact with DHS to gather more information.

We need to prioritize efforts to deport criminals and secure the border. Indiscriminately rounding up people following the rules won’t make us safer.”

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero stated:

“Yesterday in Phoenix, ICE took away people who are following the law. Fear and intimidation tactics are wrong. I’m calling on Congress to end these horrifying acts.”

Arizona Congressional House District Three Yassamin Ansari also commented on social media:

“What is happening outside immigration courthouses in Phoenix is horrifying. These people are showing up for their court dates–doing exactly what is asked of them–and are being met with handcuffs.

Mothers are being arrested in front of their children. It’s sickening. My team is urgently working on gathering more information.”

Senator Ruben Gallego, who unveiled a comprehensive immigration reform package last week, wrote:

“This isn’t smart or tough policy. It’s chaos that doesn’t bring any more security.

It discourages people from showing up to court, making our immigration system less efficient — not more.”

Senator Mark Kelly offered:

“Ripping families apart and going after people who are showing up for their court date doesn’t make us safer or fix our broken immigration system. It does the opposite.”

Arizona State House Democratic Whip Quantá Crews commented in a caucus press release:

“Trump’s cruel mass deportation machine is showing up in our community again. What is happening outside the Phoenix Immigration Court is horrifying. Agents waited in the shadows. They targeted mothers and fathers who were following the law. People showed up for their hearings in good faith and were taken into custody when they walked out. Some were arrested in front of their children. There was no warning. No legal counsel. Just arrests and a bus waiting to take them away.

This is not immigration enforcement. This is government-sponsored trauma. It is fear-based governance that tears families apart and silences entire communities. These actions go against the principles of due process, human dignity, and Democracy.

To everyone who is navigating the immigration system, please do not go to court alone. Bring an attorney if you can. If not, bring a trusted friend, a faith leader, or a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. We need witnesses. We need documentation. We need each other.

Stay safe. Stay connected. Stay prepared. We will not be silent in the face of injustice. We will keep fighting with compassion and the power of community.”

Arizona Assistant Democratic Senate Leader Catherine Miranda also wrote in a press release:

“ICE said that they cannot provide details of any operations for safety reasons – but what about the safety of the immigrant community? Many of whom have come to the U.S. to avoid dangerous living conditions in their home country.

From the beginning, the Trump Administration has stated that they are going after ‘hardened criminals.’ However, ICE’s actions in Seattle, Santa Ana, and now Phoenix show otherwise. Agents showing up to detain people after their hearings is not only unprecedented, but also absolutely reprehensible.

The individuals who were detained were trying to come to the U.S. ‘the right way,’ but were detained because they are an easy target. I am calling on my colleagues in Congress to create a permanent pathway to citizenship. Until then, I will continue to fight against people and institutions that are harming my community.”