Congress Condemns Noem Over Migrant 'Dreamers' Fate

Congressional Concerns Over Dreamers’ Detentions and Deportations

A group of 95 members of Congress have expressed deep concern over the recent detention and deportation of individuals protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, commonly known as Dreamers. These representatives have written a letter to Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, demanding transparency about the number of Dreamers detained or deported in recent months.

The letter, submitted to Noem and shared with the Guardian, was co-written by House members Delia Ramirez from Illinois and Sylvia Garcia from Texas, and signed by numerous other Democratic representatives. The lawmakers criticized what they described as a “blatant disregard” for the legal protections afforded to DACA recipients. They also highlighted several cases where Dreamers were detained or deported despite their status under the program.

Background on DACA

The DACA program was introduced in 2012 under the Obama administration as a way to provide temporary relief from deportation for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. It was intended to allow these individuals, known as Dreamers, to live, study, and work legally in the country. However, the program has faced ongoing challenges, including attempts to end it during the Trump administration.

In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration’s attempt to terminate DACA, preserving the protections for current beneficiaries. Despite this, the program remains vulnerable to changes in policy and enforcement practices.

Specific Cases Highlighted in the Letter

The letter includes eight specific instances where DACA recipients were arrested or detained by immigration authorities. One example involved a deaf car wash worker in California who was arrested during an immigration raid, despite having valid work authorization. Another case involved Catalina “Xochitl” Santiago, a DACA recipient and immigrant rights organizer in Texas, who was detained by agents and is currently in ICE custody.

An unnamed man was also arrested during a traffic stop and sent to a detention center known for its harsh conditions, even though he had a valid driver’s license and DACA status. These cases illustrate the broader concerns raised by the lawmakers about the lack of due process and transparency in immigration enforcement actions.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

The letter requests detailed information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the legal authority used to detain DACA recipients. It also asks for specifics on the arrests and how the department plans to address what they consider wrongful detentions.

Representatives argue that recent enforcement actions not only violate the spirit of DACA but also disrupt families, harm communities, and impose unnecessary social, emotional, and economic costs. They emphasize the importance of protecting Dreamers, who are integral members of American society.

Broader Implications and Legislative Efforts

The letter comes at a time when there are growing concerns about the treatment of DACA recipients. Earlier this year, the Department of Education announced an investigation into five universities for offering scholarships to DACA students. Additionally, a fifth circuit court ruling in January confirmed that current DACA recipients remain protected and should be considered low priorities for deportation.

Despite these protections, many Dreamers still face fear of deportation, especially due to safety concerns in their countries of origin. A recent survey of hundreds of DACA recipients found high rates of employment and school enrollment, but also significant anxiety about their future.

Push for Legislative Protection

In addition to the letter to Noem, Ramirez and Garcia also wrote to House leadership urging them to support the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025. This proposed legislation aims to provide further protection for DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, offering a pathway toward permanent residency in the U.S.

The letter underscores the need for legislative action to ensure the long-term security of Dreamers and to address the inconsistencies in immigration enforcement policies. As the debate over DACA continues, the voices of these lawmakers reflect a growing demand for fairness, transparency, and compassion in the treatment of undocumented immigrants who have contributed to American society.