Press Releases

Boston, MA – Tomorrow, Tuesday July 9, 2019, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) will unveil the Accountability for Migrant Deaths Act, a new bill to ensure that Congress is notified promptly of migrant deaths in U.S. custody and can act to hold the administration accountable. Congresswoman Trahan will be meeting with Eva A. Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) to discuss the bill, which MIRA supports. Both will be available to the press following their meeting.

Congresswoman Trahan’s bill requires that Congress be notified within 24 hours of a migrant dying while in US custody, mandates that the House Committee on Oversight and Reform or another committee with jurisdiction hold a public hearing within a week of that notification where they can receive testimony from appropriate agency officials relating to the death, and lastly limits the secretaries of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services from exerting “executive privilege” to avoid publicly testifying. The full bill text can be found HERE:

“I have been to the border and have seen for myself the horrible conditions that women and children are subject to as a result of this Administration’s callous immigration policies. We know that at least nine migrants have died in US custody since October, and that we have a humanitarian crisis on our hands.  Until this point, Congress and the American people have not been adequately briefed on what lead to these tragic deaths, or what could have been done to prevent them. This legislation will ensure that our attention is focused on ending the inhumane treatment of people in our custody and hold agency leadership accountable for decision making processes that lead to fatalities. I know that this bill alone will not solve the crisis at our border and will continue to work with my colleagues to bring about structural change in how we care for migrants looking for nothing more than safety and refuge,” said Congresswoman Trahan.  

“What is happening at the border is horrific and unforgivable, and it will not stop until Congress holds the administration accountable. This bill takes a crucial first step by ensuring that Congress gets the information it needs to take appropriate action. We greatly appreciate Congresswoman Trahan's leadership on this issue, and encourage all members of the Massachusetts delegation to support this bill," said Eva A. Millona, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA).

What: Migrant Death Accountability Act press availability
When: Tuesday July 9, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
Where: English for New Bostonians Conference Room, 105 Chauncy St.,4th floor, Boston, MA.

***media wishing to attend the post-meeting press availability should please RSVP to Mark.McDevitt@mail.house.gov *** 

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