During Wednesday’s broadcast of MSNBC’s The ReidOut, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) asserted that California must oppose deportation efforts under former President Donald Trump’s directives, even if doing so carries the risk of prosecution.
Host Joy Reid addressed the topic, stating, “[Trump] believes... he needs the visual of blue states — of immigrants in blue states suffering, being dragged out of restaurants, dragged out of schools. He wants that in blue states. He wanted it in Illinois. That was a no. He would love to have it in California. Will California resist that, even at the threat of prosecution?”
Garcia responded emphatically: “We have to. This is about our values as a people. I’m an immigrant myself. The idea that someone born in this country is not considered American because a parent might be undocumented or on a legal visa is wrong. If you’ve been here for ten, 20 years, working hard — whether in the back of a restaurant or running a small business — you are part of this country.
This is a moment for reflection, for us to ask: Who are we as a nation? Are we humane, good people? Are we patriots who value everyone who has helped build this country? What Donald Trump is doing is dangerous. We need to fight back. This is not a time to collaborate with him or Republicans on immigration solutions—they’ll steamroll us. We have to fight like hell.”