Over the past few weeks, there has been a reported uptick of raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. As the raids have become more public, citizens have begun to criticize Washington, D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser. Over the last year, Bowser has made a strong effort to publicize her commitment to the protection of immigrants within the city. Furthermore, Bowser labeled the nation’s capital as a sanctuary city that would not enforce ICE raids and investigations. Recently, citizens of the nation’s capital have called out the Mayor and begun to question her commitment to the city’s sanctuary label. Most importantly, citizens have begun to question her lack of public urgency regarding the recent acts of ICE in the city.
In a joint letter to the mayor, thirty three advocacy groups wrote, “We are dismayed by your silence thus far.” The letter added, “For D.C. to be a true ‘sanctuary city,’ ICE raids in our communities cannot be met with silence. We ask that you show leadership and stand up to ICE on behalf of D.C.” A few of those who helped write the letter were able to meet with member’s of Bowser’s staff, but were unable to speak to the mayor directly.
Instead, Bowser responded to the matter in a statement of her own that reads, “Washington, D.C. is a sanctuary city. We protect the rights and humanity of all our residents, and our D.C. values and our local culture are guided by a celebration of diversity and inclusivity.”
Unsatisfied with Bowser’s statements and actions, the collective advocacy groups have asked that Bowser “intervene with ICE officials to seek the release of DC residents” by August 10th.
