U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th district in Congress, issued a series of statements on March 18, 2026, addressing allegations against Cesar Chavez, deaths in ICE custody, and concerns about pending immigration legislation.
In her first post of the day, Jayapal expressed strong emotions regarding recent reports: “I am absolutely horrified and deeply saddened by the accounts of multiple young girls and women who were assaulted, abused, and groomed by Cesar Chavez. My full statement: https://t.co/pyw5m9viPq” (March 18, 2026).
Later that evening, she highlighted ongoing issues within U.S. immigration detention centers: “I was just notified of another death in ICE custody — the 13th death so far this year, and 44th since Trump retook office. These private, for-profit detention centers have a duty to ensure the health and well-being of immigrants. There must be accountability and justice.” (March 18, 2026).
Addressing legislative developments in immigration policy, Jayapal criticized H.R. 1958: “Under H.R. 1958, a green card holder could be deported without being convicted of any crime. In typical Republican fashion, this bill will not make any of us safer, it will just strip away due process and make it easier to deport people with lawful status.” (March 18, 2026).
Jayapal has represented Washington’s 7th District in Congress since replacing Jim McDermott in 2017. She previously served in the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016. Born in Chennai in 1965 and currently residing in Seattle at age 57, Jayapal holds degrees from Georgetown University and Northwestern University.
