U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th district in Congress, posted a series of statements on January 22, 2026, addressing funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the death of an immigrant in ICE custody, and expressing solidarity with protestors in Iran.
In her first post on January 22, Jayapal wrote: “Democrats should not vote to send another penny to DHS and ICE until we see real guardrails and reforms to protect the American people. We cannot continue to fund a completely lawless agency that is violating Americans’ rights daily.”
An hour later, she commented on a recent incident involving ICE: “BREAKING: an immigrant’s death at an ICE detention center has been ruled a homicide. Detainees saw guards choke the man to death. Trump’s DHS denied it. An independent autopsy has confirmed it was a homicide. We need an independent investigation NOW.”
Later that day, Jayapal addressed events in Iran: “My heart is with the families of those killed by the Iranian government. The future of Iran belongs to the people. I applaud the bravery of the protestors who are standing up for their rights. We are with you and will keep fighting for justice.”
Pramila Jayapal has served as U.S. Representative for Washington’s 7th District since 2017 after succeeding Jim McDermott. Before her time in Congress, she was a member of the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016. Born in Chennai, India in 1965, Jayapal currently resides in Seattle and holds degrees from Georgetown University and Northwestern University.
