In response to the Trump-Vance Administration’s slew of executive actions attacking immigrants, trans people, and other vulnerable communities, Local Progress released the following statement:
“Yesterday’s executive actions – from the legally futile and hateful efforts to end birthright citizenship and strip federal funding from sanctuary cities to the morally reprehensible attacks on Trans and Gender Non-Conforming people – come from a place of utter cruelty, racism, and greed.
As we start to fight back, we must remember that Trump’s agenda will be catastrophic for all Americans. Increasing police presence and surveillance for the purpose of carrying out his cruel mass deportation and immigration detention agenda puts communities of color and vulnerable populations at risk of unjust incarceration; just as intimidating immigrant workers makes it easier for corporations to exploit all low-wage workers, and weaponizing federal funding strips resources from all of our communities.
Working families are struggling right now. Greedy CEOs, corporate landlords, and the ultra-wealthy are inflating rents, jacking up grocery costs, and taking away healthcare; and they’ve found their champion in the Trump-Vance Administration, which is eager to push through tax cuts for corporations and the rich. Right-wing extremists and their ultra-wealthy allies desperately want people to believe that immigrants and other vulnerable communities are to blame. We cannot let them pit us against one another for their own gain.
These executive actions are intended to shock and awe – but we are resisting and we will govern for all our people. As a network of more than 1,500 local elected officials across 46 states committed to advancing racial and economic justice, we will stand as a clear counterpoint to Trump’s cruel agenda. We refuse to sit by as the ultra-wealthy rip families apart and immiserate our neighbors. We will oppose the federal deportation machine through strong sanctuary policies, ensure our communities can live in their neighborhoods without fear of abusive policing and surveillance, and make sure all of us can safely enjoy our public spaces and schools. Above all else, we will continue to fight for a society that ensures all working families have a roof over their heads, high-quality healthcare, and life-sustaining jobs.”
Photo retrieved from the ACLU of New York
