Padilla leads in calling out Trump’s wrongfully targeting DACA recipients
U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, led 38 Senate Democrats in pressing U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem on the Trump Administration’s wrongful targeting of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in its cruel mass deportation scheme.
The Senators cited a troubling statement from DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, in which she said, “Illegal aliens who claim to be recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not automatically protected from deportation.” The Senators made clear that McLaughlin’s statement is contradicted by public DHS guidance.
“DACA was created to provide protections from immigration enforcement for certain noncitizens brought to the United States as children, also known as Dreamers, who undergo strict background checks and meet specific educational or work requirements,” wrote the Senators. “In contrast to Ms. McLaughlin’s puzzling statement, public DHS guidance makes clear that DACA holders are ‘not considered to be unlawfully present’ in the United States and that ‘[a]n individual who has received deferred action is authorized by DHS to be in the United States for the duration of the deferred action period.’”
“We urge you to correct Assistant Secretary McLaughlin’s statement to accurately reflect DACA and ensure that DHS recognizes and abides by the protections of DACA moving forward,” continued the Senators. “Recent enforcement actions against DACA recipients not only appear to violate the Fifth Circuit stay, but also disrupt families, harm communities, and inflict unnecessary social, emotional, and economic costs.”
Padilla previously took to the Senate floor to defend DACA recipients from DHS’ baseless statement and slam the Trump Administration’s push for DACA recipients to “self-deport.” He emphasized that these long-term residents — who were brought to the country as children — have been working, studying, and living legally in the United States since 2012 and are vital members of American communities.
Padilla is a leading voice in Congress for providing long-term undocumented immigrants, including Dreamers, with a pathway to permanent legal residence. In July, the federal lawmaker hosted a press conference in Los Angeles alongside immigration advocates, impacted families, and community leaders to announce legislation to expand a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions of long-term U.S. residents.
McOsker tightens investigation of ICE use of Terminal Island
Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker (D-Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, San Pedro, Watts, Wilmington), in his weekly newsletter, announced an amendment to his June motion requesting that the Los Angeles Port Police, in coordination with the Port of Los Angeles, report on current procedures, protocols, and jurisdictional roles related to federal immigration enforcement.
McOsker’s original motion came after it has been well documented that federal immigration enforcement agents are using the Coast Guard base on Terminal Island as a staging ground for raids throughout the County of Los Angeles.
The original motion also called for recommendations to establish clear guidelines and communication procedures for any future federal actions near the Port. On Tuesday, the City Council officially approved the motion.
However, last Monday, a video was brought McOsker’s attention showing federal agents driving off the Coast Guard site and taunting Harbor Peace Patrol monitors with the words, “good morning ladies, a-kidnapping we will go,” over the in-vehicle PA system.
“In response, I amended my motion to ensure this incident is investigated. The amendment directs the Port Police to work with my office and community witnesses to submit the video and supporting evidence to the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, and the United States Attorney’s Office for investigation of potential criminal threats by the individual involved,” wrote McOsker.
Hochman announces man charged with murdering 13-year-old
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman yesterday announced a 20-year-old man has been charged with killing a 13-year-old boy who was waiting for his mother to finish work at a gas station in Pico Rivera last month.
Andres Adan Chavez, 20, of Pico Rivera was charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance allegation of murder while lying in wait and one count of carrying an unregistered, loaded firearm. Arraignment was continued until September 29 in Department J of the Norwalk Courthouse.
“What happened at this gas station is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Hochman. “The victim was simply waiting for his mom when he was gunned down. No mother should have to endure the unbearable tragedy of losing their child, especially in such a violent manner. We will work tirelessly to pursue justice in this case.”
On Aug. 23, at about 11:45 p.m., Chavez got out of a vehicle at a gas station in the 8800 block of Whitter Boulevard and is accused of fatally shooting 13-year-old Saith M.
Chavez fled the scene but was arrested last week.
If convicted as charged, Chavez faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made a later date.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Maria Ghobadi and Kylie Starr from the Gang Homicide Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Sherman works to force release of Epstein files
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village) this week signed the Epstein Files Transparency Act Discharge Petition, taking a bold step to force a vote in the House of Representatives to expose the full truth behind Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal network and the individuals involved.
The Trump Administration has repeatedly refused to release unclassified documents related to Epstein’s crimes — including names of co-conspirators, flight logs, DOJ [Department of Justice] communications, and information surrounding Epstein’s suspicious death.
Sherman, a co-sponsor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, is now using a rare procedural tool to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and bring the bill directly to the House floor. When a majority of House members sign this petition, the House must begin debating the bill within several days, regardless of what Speaker Johnson and pro-Trump Republicans want.
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about transparency and justice,” said Sherman. “The American people have waited long enough. The DOJ can’t keep hiding behind excuses while shielding powerful individuals. If the government has nothing to hide, then it should have nothing to fear from the truth.”
The bipartisan Epstein Files Transparency Act — introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) — requires the Department of Justice to publicly release all unclassified materials related to Epstein’s crimes in a fully searchable and downloadable format. The bill makes clear: embarrassment or political fallout is no excuse for secrecy.
“No one is above the law. And no one should be protected from accountability just because they’re rich or politically connected,” Sherman said. “This discharge petition is about ending the cover-up. Let’s shine a light.”
