Jayapal Launches Probe Into “Lawless Disappearances” Of Immigrants

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), the Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, recently hosted a “Shadow Hearing” to delve into allegations of individuals being “lawlessly kidnapped and disappeared” to various third countries. Titled “Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Lawless Third Country Disappearances,” the session specifically highlighted cases involving destinations such as El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, South Sudan, and Libya.

This hearing marks the initial event in a planned series by Rep. Jayapal aimed at scrutinizing the Trump administration’s actions and policies regarding immigration.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Jayapal sharply criticized President Trump, asserting that since taking office, he has demonstrated “utter contempt for the Constitution.” She accused the administration of undermining the traditional role of Congress and disparaging the courts, causing “untold damage” to democratic institutions. Jayapal further claimed that the President has attacked the rights of all people, especially immigrants, and that his “obsession to deport” both lawful and undocumented immigrants has resulted in the violation of numerous constitutional rights.

Jayapal underscored the fundamental importance of due process, describing it as a “critical protection.” She emphasized that this safeguard applies to everyone, regardless of their citizenship status, ensuring they have the opportunity to present evidence and challenge false accusations, including those of being a terrorist, a gang member, or being “kidnapped off the street and disappeared.”

Witnesses at the hearing included Lindsay Toczylowski, President and CEO of Immigrant Defenders Law Center and legal counsel for Andry Romero; Robyn Barnard, Senior Director of Refugee Advocacy at Human Rights First; Lee Gelernt, Deputy Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union; and Beatriz Guzman, a Venezuelan-American immigrant and immigration attorney