The New York Civil Liberties Union today condemned President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Suffolk County tomorrow, where he is expected to discuss with local officials the MS-13 gang and immigration enforcement.
The following statement is attributable to New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman:
“President Trump’s visit to Suffolk County is a cynical ploy to capitalize on recent headlines, cast aspersions on entire communities and push his anti-immigrant agenda. Trump’s vile rhetoric and cruel deportation machine mean that vulnerable immigrants must fear both gangs and the government at once. As New Yorkers, we refuse to look at each other with that kind of suspicion or contempt. As the New York Civil Liberties Union, we will continue to push back against Trump’s demonization and his deportations.”
The following statement is attributable to NYCLU Suffolk County Chapter Director Irma Solis:
“Let’s be clear, the real target of President Trump’s dragnet is not criminals, it is immigrants. Despite the pageantry of a presidential visit, our local officials must renew their commitment to our immigrant community, who they serve, rather than acting as an instrument of Trump’s deportation agenda. In particular, when the Suffolk County Police Department does the bidding of immigration enforcement, they push away people the police need and people who need the police.”
