Ramirez Statement on the Politically Motivated Indictment of Public Officials, Organizers, Congressional Candidates

CHICAGO, IL- Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03)released the following statement after six public officials, organizers, and congressional candidates were indicted by Trump's Department of Justice for protesting ICE's unlawful activity at Broadview Processing Center in Illinois.

"If it sounds like authoritarianism, moves like authoritarianism, and looks like authoritarianism, IT IS AUTHORITARIANISM.

Even before his inauguration, Trump made it clear that he would abuse his power and weaponize the federal government to persecute and enact retribution against those who oppose him. Today's politically motivated indictments are just the latest example of his complete disregard for our constitutional rights and the rule of law.

These charges are meant to scare us. They seek to intimidate us into surrendering our First Amendment rights. They seek to "chill" dissent, political opposition, and resistance to the unlawfulness of the Trump Administration. They will fail.

Authoritarians lose power when they confront communities standing in solidarity. As they threaten our rights, we must deepen our resolve to speak out, to stand firm, and to resist the consolidation of power threatening our democracy.

I stand in solidarity with every person who is speaking truth to power and exercising their First Amendment rights. They are not alone, and I will continue to fight with them against this fascist government. Every public official should be ringing the alarm. We will not be intimidated, we must continue to speak up, organize and demonstrate solidarity with those standing up for justice."