Washington, DC — As we noted yesterday, two sharply contrasting visions of America were on display at this week’s State of the Union address. President Trump presented a dark, lurid and false description of immigrants as criminals, out of touch with the facts and the consensus of the strong majority of Americans. In contrast, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger offered a different vision on immigration that was built on fixing America’s problems, not affixing blame.
Among the guests attending the State of the Union address were individuals directly affected by this administration’s mass deportation crusade. Read more in the new Substack from Gabe Ortiz about these guests’ stories and significance. During his mean-spirited address, Trump’s own DHS issued a threat on social media that took direct aim at some of the immigrant community attendees – individuals like Marcelo Gomes, the Boston-area high school student who was detained on the way to volleyball practice and released after his community rallied in his defense. In the Boston Globe, Marcelo reflected on his whirlwind tour of Washington, including his departure during the middle of the SOTU as a precaution. In the process, he offered a reminder of a different vision of the country, where students like Marcelo can have opportunities to fully participate in this country instead of being targeted and living in fear.
Marcelo stated, “I can’t believe they still want to chase after me … I’m just disappointed in the ignorance. It’s really inhumane, and there’s a lack of empathy.” As the Globe noted, “Prior to detention, he wanted to pursue a career as a plumber. Now, he’s headed to college in the fall and plans to pursue a career in public service.”
According to Vanessa Cárdenas, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
“With all the challenges facing the American people – high prices, soaring healthcare costs, fewer jobs – the Trump administration spends their time targeting high school students like Marcelo to stoke fear. This is another example of misplaced priorities fueled by this administration’s anti-immigrant obsession. The vast majority of Americans stand with Marcelo and a vision of America in which he can stay and thrive – not the Donald Trump and Stephen Miller dark alternative.”
- Read the Gabe Ortiz Substack post: Immigrants and U.S. Citizens Targeted by the Trump Administration Showcase Their Bravery by Attending the SOTU
