JOINT STATEMENT: DEMOCRATS SECURE RELEASE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FROM DELANEY HALL FACILITY

Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Reps. LaMonica McIver, Rob Menendez and Josh Gottheimer released the following statement:

Yesterday, after months of advocacy, an 18-year-old high school senior finally returned to her Orange, New Jersey home after her months-long detainment at the Delaney Hall facility. On Sunday, we had the opportunity to speak with Ariadna, who, even after being subjected to detention for months, remains singularly focused on resuming her high school studies, with an intent to pursue a career in law. Ariadna is a remarkable young woman and a true leader who, among other things, provided translation assistance between detainees, detention facility guards and visitors.

Donald Trump claimed his immigration enforcement would be targeted at violent felons who are in this country unlawfully. Instead, stories like Ariadna’s are far too common throughout his mass deportation scheme.

For months, Rep. McIver and Members of the New Jersey delegation have visited Ariadna — a DREAMer never accused of any violent crimes — and lifted up her story. The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end her detention is a recognition that she was unnecessarily detained. House Democrats will continue to advocate for decency and humanity in our immigration enforcement system.
 

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