Rep. Omar's Statement on Trump Administration's Plan to Deport Migrants to Libya

WASHINGTON–Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to deport migrants to Libya.

“The Trump Administration’s plan to send migrants to Libya is unconscionable, cruel, and blatantly illegal. This decision flies in the face of basic morality. Sending migrants to a country that they didn’t come from and where they could face torture and inhumane treatment is appalling and criminal. Amnesty International has described conditions in Libya’s detention centers as a ‘hellscape’ and ‘life threatening.’ There are reports of human trafficking and sexual violence. No human being should be subjected to these horrific conditions. There is no doubt that these migrants will have their lives put at severe risk.

“We need transparency on who in Libya our government negotiated with to make this deal. If, as seems likely, this was negotiated with Haftar’s militia, it represents an even graver violation of human rights and abdication of our responsibilities under the Convention Against Torture.

“The administration’s continued rejection and reckless disregard of due process is deeply alarming. Our Constitution guarantees due process and equal protection under the law to everyone in our country, not just citizens.​ Donald Trump is moving us toward authoritarianism with every passing day.”

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