(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin released the following statement regarding the deportation of the Claros Brothers, who had been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Friday after a routine check-in:

“The deportation of the Claros brothers illustrates everything that’s wrong with this administration’s immigration policy—ICE is targeting not criminals but young people seeking a meaningful and constructive place in American society—and underscores the importance of getting back to serious discussion and negotiation in Congress over comprehensive immigration reform. We are not going to deport 12 million people and we should not try. It’s a sad day for a country founded as a ‘haven of refuge’ for people seeking human rights, economic freedom and social opportunity. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee--both Republicans and Democrats--to get us out of this terrible negative cycle and move to real immigration reform that is consistent with our history and values.”

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Congressman Jamie Raskin represents Maryland’s 8th Congressional District, which includes Montgomery, Frederick, and Carroll counties. He is the Vice Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, a Senior Democratic Whip, and Freshman Representative to the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee. He also serves on the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee and the Committee on House Administration.