Congressman Al Green (D-TX) called for the imprisonment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem during a recent press conference in Houston, citing concerns over immigration enforcement operations in the area.
"Kristi Noem must go. But let me complete the sentence, she must go to jail," Rep.Green said at the Harris County Democratic Party headquarters. "What Kristi Noem did in attempting to cover up the deaths of people... is not only sinful, it's more than regrettable, it is criminal."
Rep. Green and attendees at the event then chanted "lock her up".
The February 6 press conference addressed what Green and community leaders described as racial profiling by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the Houston area.
Green announced his intention to file an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit seeking an injunction against these enforcement practices.
"I stand with the Latino community in firm opposition to the inhumane and unconstitutional actions carried out by DHS/ICE agents under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem," Green stated.
He added, "Her policies have fueled racial profiling, unlawful detention, and violence against American citizens and immigrant communities, particularly in Houston, home to one of the largest Latino populations in the nation, many of whom are my constituents."
Green then drew comparisons to past civil rights struggles. "What we are witnessing today mirrors the painful history of how Black Americans have long been targeted and criminalized in this country, and we must remember an injury to one is an injury to all," he explained.
Green stated that Secretary Noem should face accountability through resignation, removal, or impeachment, adding that the violations must end immediately.
The press conference brought together community leaders and local elected officials to address federal immigration enforcement operations in Houston, which has one of the largest Latino populations in the United States.
"We must stand together to stop the infringement on our constitutional rights, racial profiling, arbitrary detentions and abuse of power,” he concluded.
