Pelosi Statement on Unconstitutional Muslim Ban and Detentions at US Airports

January 29, 2017

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after a U.S. District Court judge in New York issued an emergency injunction blocking President Trump's unconstitutional Executive Order creating a ban on Muslims entering the United States:

"The injunction against President Trump's Executive Order must be immediately enforced nationwide to prevent further harm from his immoral and unconstitutional ban on Muslims.

"I support the efforts of the ACLU and others to challenge this order on Constitutional grounds, and call on the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to respect the district court's nationwide injunction prohibiting the U.S. government from removing lawful permanent residents and nonimmigrants who are returning home to the United States.

"Any delays in implementing the injunction will have extremely harmful ramifications across the United States as families, coworkers and communities will be arbitrarily separated. I expect a full report from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs as to the wellbeing and status of those who have been affected by the Executive Order.

"As the Statue of Liberty holds her torch of welcome high, there are tears in her eyes as she sees how low this Administration has stooped in its callousness toward immigrant families and refugees who have trusted in the laws and protections of the United States.

"House Democrats will continue to defend our Constitution and demand smart and strong action to defeat terrorists while protecting religious freedoms."