Murphy Introduces Three Bills To Rein In ICE Abuses, Protect Kids From Targeting By Agents

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) just introduced three new bills to rein in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) abuses and protect kids from targeting by agents at playgrounds, child care facilities, and school bus stops, as well as cosponsored legislation to protect immigrants seeking essential services at locations like hospitals, schools, and courthouses.

"The American people have seen horrifying videos of ICE agents terrorizing our streets and instilling fear in communities, including in Danbury recently. These bills should be a no-brainer. Kids should be safe from violent enforcement-period-but especially on the playground, at daycare, and waiting for the bus. How far is this corrupt Administration willing to defend an unpopular, illegal mass deportation campaign?" said Murphy.

The bills would stipulate that "no agent, officer, or employee of the Department of Homeland Security, nor any person acting under the authority of such agent, officer, or employee, may conduct any immigration enforcement action" at a school bus stop for children, at a childcare facility, or at a children's playground.

ICE recently conducted a week-long operation in Connecticut resulting in 118 arrests, which included an arrest of a parent who just dropped their child off at their bus stop. When reports surfaced, Sen. Murphy immediately joined elected officials and immigration rights advocates, as well as thousands of protestors in Danbury, to denounce the operation. Videos released to CT Insider by Danbury Public Schools under a Freedom of Information Act request documented the scene.

Read the text of the bills re: playgrounds, child care facilities, and school bus stops.