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