U.S. Representative Frederica Wilson, a Democrat from Florida, made headlines recently after she urged the public to take action against Congress regarding immigration issues. This call to action came after her visit to the Krome Detention Center, an ICE facility in Miami, where she expressed her concerns about the treatment of immigrants.
During a news conference streamed on Instagram Live, Wilson shared her frustrations with the current immigration policies under the Trump administration. She encouraged people to call congressional offices and express their discontent, saying, "You have to do that. It’s going to take the people." Wilson believes that a collective effort is necessary to bring about change.
Wilson’s visit to the detention center was motivated by her desire to see the conditions and the individuals being held there. She expected to encounter dangerous criminals but instead found hard-working individuals, some of whom faced mental health challenges. This experience deepened her conviction that immigration policies need to be reevaluated.
The Congresswoman specifically criticized the Laken Riley Act, a law signed by President Trump shortly after he took office. This legislation mandates the detention of illegal immigrants who have been arrested for certain crimes, which Wilson argues has led to a significant increase in detentions, often involving individuals who are not a threat to society.
Wilson’s remarks reflect a broader concern among some lawmakers and activists about the treatment of immigrants and the policies that govern their detention. She emphasized the need for public engagement, urging people to take to the streets, make phone calls, and write letters to their representatives.
Her statements have sparked discussions about the balance between immigration enforcement and the rights of individuals, as well as the role of public advocacy in shaping policy. As the debate continues, Wilson’s call for action highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration in the United States.