Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Washington’s 7th district since 2017, posted several statements on her social media accounts addressing recent immigration enforcement actions and advocacy work.
On February 26, 2026, Jayapal criticized federal authorities for an incident involving a student at Columbia University. She wrote, “This morning, DHS falsely represented themselves as police and illegally arrested a Columbia University student. I’m relieved to see she was recently released, but this is unacceptable. ICE and CBP need to get the hell away from our students and school campuses.”
Later that day, Jayapal highlighted her collaboration with advocacy groups in a post stating, “It is such an honor to work with leaders like Lauren at World Without Exploitation. We will keep standing up and speaking out for justice, accountability, and the truth.” This message was shared on February 26, 2026.
On February 27, 2026, Jayapal recounted a recent visit to the Northwest Detention Center: “Last week, at the Northwest Detention Center, I met with Juan, a single-father who had been detained for 46 days. Today, he was released. We must pass my Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act and overhaul the inhumane, for-profit detention system. My full statement:”
Jayapal has made immigration reform one of her legislative priorities during her tenure in Congress. She previously served in the Washington State Senate from 2014 to 2016 before succeeding Jim McDermott in Congress.
She holds degrees from Georgetown University (BA) and Northwestern University.
Born in Chennai in 1965, Jayapal currently resides in Seattle.
