In 2013, the movement to demand real, compassionate,
immigration reform was gaining steam across our nation. Much like
today, it was a time that called for decisive leadership that met
the moment.

When Republicans pushed forward their devastating Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention bed quota -- that
leadership did not come from Ed Markey. In fact, he was the lone
'progressive' congressman who sided with Republicans.

As a result, Ed Markey helped protect the system that Donald
Trump weaponizes today to terrorize and separate families on our
border.

When I
say on the trail that the politics of the past won't solve our
problems, this is what I am talking about. Ed Markey was in the
middle of his first tough bid for the Senate seat he now holds
and made a political calculation to be the only member of the
Massachusetts delegation to vote for the ICE bed quota -- even
after President Obama explicitly opposed it.

We can't go back to a "normal" that allows those seeking
shelter, salvation, and a better life to be put in harm's way. We
can't go back to a "normal" that plays hooky when consequential
decisions with heartbreaking implications are up for a vote. We
can't go back to a "normal" that is willing to play politics with
the deserving immigrants among us -- or simply isn't in those
communities enough to understand how these painful policies
impact them.

I was a new Congressman at the time, just a few months into the
job, but I opposed this policy in the House and then joined
legendary activist Eliseo Medina to advocate for humane
immigration reform outside of the Capitol.

This is not an easy issue, and it's been made all the harder
after four divisive years of Donald Trump tearing us apart. But I
will not look away. I will not give into cynicism. I will keep
showing up. I will keep up the fight. And together we will bring
justice to every single immigrant in this country.

Stay strong. Keep up the faith. Let's keep fighting.

-- Joe

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