Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s refusal to comply with multiple federal orders to halt detentions and deportations, which began Friday evening following the president’s executive order enforcing a refugee ban on seven nations:

“On Friday, President Trump issued an executive order that targets refugees and immigrants based on their religion. His xenophobic rhetoric and actions are not consistent with the values of our nation. This executive order will do nothing to make our country safer and only sends a message of hate and bigotry to the rest of the world. This order would not have prevented the attack in San Bernardino and the use of San Bernardino as justification for this anti-Muslim policy is a revolting way to exploit our community. 

Federal judges around the country have issued orders to halt detentions and deportations. Despite these orders, the Department of Homeland Security, under the president’s direction, is continuing to enforce the executive order and proceeding with detentions, removals and denial of access to attorneys. This is abhorrent. This is inhumane. This is unconstitutional. President Trump’s actions are in violation of the United States Constitution and he must be held accountable immediately.”