Yesterday, I hosted a press conference about my Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act. The authority to use force is a serious responsibility. Yet, we’ve seen horrifying images and videos of federal agents using excessive force against non-violent American citizens, immigrants, journalists, protesters, priests, and others. In San Diego, federal agents stormed into a neighborhood restaurant, and terrorized the employees and concerned bystanders outside. That makes everyone less safe.

We must curb excessive force and make it easier to identify officers acting improperly, while ensuring federal law enforcement can still apprehend those who pose a genuine threat to public safety and national security. My bill would establish a higher standard for immigration agents' use of force, prohibit the use of harmful equipment during standard operations, strictly limit the use of masks, and require the use of body cameras.    

This proposal applies to any federal law enforcement officer involved in immigration enforcement and aligns immigration enforcement with the heightened Department of Justice (DOJ) standards on use of force. We expect these standards from our local law enforcement, why should we expect anything different from federal law enforcement?

President Trump says he encourages people to come to the U.S. “legally,” but his Administration actively undermines existing legal immigration pathways. He’s instituted cruel travel bans, revoked international student visas, suspended the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), and proposed implementing new, astronomical fees on H-1B visa applicants. 

President Trump also cancelled legal immigration programs our Afghan allies have relied on and is trying to deport those currently living in the U.S. Earlier this year, I visited the Otay Mesa Detention Center and met with Sayed, who fought shoulder to shoulder with American troops in Afghanistan. He was detained while following the law when he showed up to his mandated immigration court appointment. He was held in detention for three months.  

San Diego is home to one of the country’s largest life sciences ecosystems. We want the best and brightest young minds from around the world working here to make breakthrough medical and scientific discoveries. Instead, President Trump is slashing scientific investments and going after international students’ visas. Applications for graduate student or postdoctoral positions in the United States have dropped sharply as students are increasingly applying for jobs abroad since President Trump took office. 

I will push to expand and strengthen existing avenues for legal immigration, while maintaining strong standards for vetting. I will work to ensure the United States remains the premier destination for entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world; a refuge for migrants; and a land of opportunity for everyone.