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PRBA Statement on ICE’s Illegal Detention of Puerto Ricans & Raids of the Dominican Community

January 30, 2025

The Puerto Rican Bar Association unequivocally condemns U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) for yesterday’s illegal detention of a Puerto Rican family in Milwaukee as well as the raids of Dominican communities in San Juan. 

President Trump’s agenda to supposedly “cleanse” our nation of the very people who have fought for our freedoms, built our infrastructure, and support our economy has not only devastated hardworking Dominican families, but unlawfully swept up U.S. citizens—because all Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens—in its wake.

Given the offensive and divisive remarks made about the Latinx community, including referring to Puerto Rico as an “island of trash,” we have no reason to believe these injustices will stop.

Therefore, the PRBA calls on our elected representatives in Congress and state legislatures across the country to take immediate action—whether through legislation or legal action—to stop these violations of our rights, and protect the democratic principles on which this nation stands.