U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who has represented Washington’s 7th district in Congress since 2017, posted a series of statements on January 16, 2026, addressing recent immigration enforcement actions and violence in Minnesota.
In her first post at 16:30 UTC, Jayapal announced her presence in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for an immigration shadow hearing. She wrote, “Today, I am in Minneapolis-Saint Paul hosting my sixth immigration shadow hearing, titled ‘Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Deadly Assault on Minnesota.’ After Renee Good’s killing and as ICE continues their siege on MN, we are on the ground fighting for justice and the truth.”
Later that day at 16:56 UTC, she expressed concern about the broader implications of these events. Jayapal stated, “What has happened in Minnesota should terrify every single American. If they can erode the rights of some, they can do it to you. No one is safe. We must stand up for the rights of EVERYONE in our communities and protect our democracy and our Constitution.”
At 17:41 UTC, Jayapal referenced testimony from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison during the hearing. She quoted him as saying, “We will not stand by idly as this injustice unfolds. We will stand up and assert all means legal to protect the people of our state.” Jayapal noted that Ellison is suing the Trump administration over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Minnesota.
Pramila Jayapal has served in Congress since replacing Jim McDermott in 2017 after previously serving in the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016. Born in Chennai in 1965 and currently residing in Seattle, she holds degrees from Georgetown University and Northwestern University.
