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Los Angeles – Today, the Department of Homeland Security introduced its "VOICE" initiative. Jennie Pasquarella, Immigrants’ Rights Director of the ACLU of California had this response:
In unveiling what amounts to a grotesque propaganda tool for nativist and anti-immigrant messages, the Trump administration has also highlighted the need for California lawmakers to pass the California Values Act (SB 54). This administration’s Orwellian initiative makes the stakes clear – California cannot allow the federal government to conscript our state and local law enforcement personnel into carrying out Trump’s harmful and hateful anti-immigrant agenda.
The Trump administration’s record, prior statements and personnel choices all indicate the VOICE initiative’s sole purpose will be to heighten unfounded fear and suspicion of immigrant communities.
Californians will not fall for this. We will stand strong against fear mongering and scapegoating that recall the most shameful chapters in our nation’s history. Instead, we will continue to embrace our principles of equal treatment, respect for community and compassion.
— Jennie Pasquarella, Immigrants' Rights Director, ACLU of California
