U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, who represents Washington’s 7th district in Congress, posted a series of statements on February 26, 2026, addressing issues related to immigration detention centers, the treatment of refugees by Border Patrol, and the rising cost of groceries.
In her first post at 16:30 UTC, Jayapal wrote: “The ICE detention center in Tacoma is already one of the largest facilities in the country. We do not need another private, for-profit, inhumane detention center here in Seattle.”
Later that day at 17:16 UTC, she commented on the death of a refugee: “Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee, was found dead after Border Patrol abandoned him miles away from his home and without notifying his family or attorney. This is absolutely horrifying — and completely preventable. There must be a full investigation immediately.”
At 18:30 UTC on the same day, Jayapal addressed economic concerns faced by families across the United States: “Thanks to Trump, groceries are ridiculously expensive in Seattle and across the country. In the richest country in the world, no one should have to worry about how they’ll keep food on the table for their families.”
Pramila Jayapal has represented Washington’s 7th District since replacing Jim McDermott in Congress in 2017. Before her tenure in Congress, she served as a member of the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016. Born in Chennai (formerly Madras State) in India in 1965 and currently residing in Seattle at age 57, Jayapal holds degrees from Georgetown University (BA) and Northwestern University.
