LETTER: U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum betrays immigrant families with vote on new law

Published 3:22 pm Monday, February 3, 2025

On Jan. 29, the Lanken-Riley Act was signed into law. This law allows the government to lock up and detain individuals for such non-violent crimes as shoplifting.

It sets a dangerous precedent of allowing the deportation of individuals who are even suspected of a crime, thereby depriving them of due process. It is an inherently racist policy, and as a constituent of Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, I am deeply disappointed in her, “yes” vote on this bill.

A few years ago, when Congresswoman Bynum was an Oregon State Representative, I participated in a sit-in at the Clackamas Town Center when her daughter was racially profiled and issued a loitering citation by their security.

At the time, I was a single mother working two jobs. I took time out of my busy day to stand up for racial justice for her family, but when it comes to standing up for racial justice for immigrant families in her district, she’s nowhere to be found.

As a former early childhood educator in her district as well, I cared for and worked with many families who would be adversely affected by this bill. Families will literally be ripped apart by this harmful policy. I wish I didn’t spend my precious time standing up for her family when she won’t do the same for others. I won’t be supporting her political campaign or businesses in the future.

Tiffany Chapman

Milwaukie