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Smith Sends Letter to Secretary Kerry Urging Efforts to Secure Release of Nestora Salgado

September 2, 2014

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) sent a letter, cosigned by Democratic Members of the Washington State delegation, urging Secretary Kerry to take action in Nestora Salgado’s case:

"Today, Congressman Adam Smith sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry urging him to continue efforts to release Nestora Salgado from prison in Mexico.  Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in a community police group  in her home of Olinalá in the state of Guerrero, which has a long tradition of legally-recognized community self-defense groups.  Federal courts in Mexico have acknowledged that Nestora was acting lawfully, and a federal judge issued her immediate release, yet Guerrero state courts refuse to release her.  
 
This letter was also signed by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, as well as Representatives Suzan DelBene, Jim McDermott, Rick Larsen, Denny Heck, Derek Kilmer, and Juan Vargas.  
 
“We urge you to employ the resources of the State Department to continue efforts to secure Ms. Salgado’s release,” the Members wrote.  “The authorities in the State of Guerrero have not demonstrated a concern for her well-being, nor have they carried out the due process of law afforded to Ms. Salgado.”
 
The Members also expressed concern about conditions of Nestora’s imprisonment, as she suffers from neuropathy in her hands and feet, yet has been denied access to medication and adequate exercise, and is kept in isolation.  These concerns are shared by representatives of the Mexican federal government. 
 
“We remain troubled by the detainment conditions to which she is subjected,” the Members continued.   It is for these reasons that we seek your assistance to achieve a diplomatic conclusion to this long fought battle so that Ms. Salgado may return to the safety of her family in Washington State.”
 
This is the second letter that Congressman Smith has sent to Secretary Kerry urging him to ensure that Nestora is afforded due process and bringing attention to her deplorable prison conditions. He also joined Nestora’s family and legal representation at Seattle University in a press conference to bring attention to her case and advocate for her release.  This letter comes one year after Ms. Salgado was unjustly imprisoned.  

Full Text of Letter

Smith Recognizes Labor Day

September 1, 2014

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) today issued the following statement in recognition of Labor Day:

"On Labor Day, we remember and recognize the struggle undergone by American workers for fair compensation and to secure the right to organize and negotiate collectively.  As the son of a ramp serviceman at SeaTac Airport, I recognize the importance of labor unions and their ability to bargain collectively not only for workers' rights, but also for building a strong middle class.

“I believe it is more important than ever that we help rebuild a strong middle class by raising the minimum wage, supporting livable wage jobs, and fighting for education and workforce training programs. I have been a strong supporter of raising the minimum wage in my hometown of SeaTac and have re-introduced the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act to help displaced workers get job training services so they can be re-integrated back into the economy.

“Our nation must invest in its workers and prepare them to compete in our rapidly changing global market, and I will continue to support legislation and initiatives that do so.”

Smith Statement on Call with U.S. Ambassador Regarding Nestora Salgado Case

August 5, 2014

Today, Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) spoke with U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Earl Anthony Wayne, about Nestora Salgado’s case.  Ms. Salgado is a resident of Renton, WA who was arrested for her leadership in a community police group  in her home of Olinalá in the state of Guerrero, which has a long tradition of legally-recognized community self-defense groups.
 
“Nestora was unjustly arrested for exercising the rights guaranteed to her indigenous community by the Mexican constitution,” said Congressman Adam Smith.  “Not only have the federal courts acknowledged this, but a federal judge issued an order for her immediate release from the maximum security prison she is in since she is no longer being charged for federal crimes.  Despite this ruling, she remains detained in unacceptable conditions and has not been granted due process.  The United States must do more to pressure the Guerrero state courts to schedule a trial immediately or release her per the federal courts’ decision.”
 
On April 18th, Congressman Smith sent a letter to Secretary Kerry urging him to ensure that Nestora is afforded due process and bringing attention to her deplorable prison conditions. He also joined Nestora’s family and legal representation at Seattle University in a press conference to bring attention to her case and advocate for her release.  

Smith Statement Opposing Republican Appropriation Bill for Border Situation

August 1, 2014

Congressman Adam Smith released the following statement in opposition to the House Republican supplemental appropriation to address the humanitarian crisis at the border:
 
“Other than showing their absolute inability to lead the House of Representatives, Republicans also made clear that they have one priority:  to deport migrant children as quickly as possible.  This is clearly reflected by their attempts to strip Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and their supplemental appropriations bill, which prioritizes speedy removals above due process and the rights and safety of these children.  This is entirely wrong and unacceptable, and it’s why I strongly opposed this legislation.
 
“At a fundamental level, we must understand the humanitarian challenge our nation is currently faced with.  Thousands of young children have left their families, homes, and everything they know due to unimaginable violence and fear.  Sending these children back to some of the most dangerous countries in the world will not solve the problem and clearly highlights Republicans’ misguided thinking on this issue.

“As a nation of immigrants and refugees, and one that has always valued justice and fairness, we must give these children due process, access to legal representation, and treat them in the most humane and caring way possible.  And as a world leader in refugee resettlement, the United States can absolutely offer this, we just need to provide our agencies with the necessary resources to meet this challenge. I support the President's request because it provides adequate funding to do so."

Smith Statement on Republican Appropriation Bill for Unaccompanied Minors

July 30, 2014

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after House Republicans released their Supplemental Appropriations bill for unaccompanied minors:
 
“The House Republican’s proposed response to the humanitarian situation is an unacceptable path forward.    Their legislation prohibits unaccompanied minors from being placed with sponsors, is woefully underfunded, and strips the 2008 law that protects minors fleeing violence abroad.

“Currently over 30,000 unaccompanied minors have been placed with a parent in the U.S. or with a sponsor, while they wait for adjudication of their case.   This is the right approach. Not only does it alleviate the amount of resources that HHS needs, but it is also in the best interest of the children.  Yet, this legislation would prohibit unaccompanied minors from being placed with sponsors.

“The Republican proposal’s funding is unacceptably low and focuses on the wrong priorities.  For example, the bill provides more funding to send the National Guard to the border than for immigration judges and resources that help speed up immigration proceedings for unaccompanied minors.    The arrival of these children is not a failure in border enforcement, but rather the result of unimaginable violence in their home countries.

“The legislation also weakens critical protections in the 2008 law and puts children in a vulnerable position without the necessary legal guidance to assist them through a complex, intimidating legal process.  We are a world leader in refugee resettlement and have the necessary institutions and legal framework to provide due process for these children.  This situation is evidence of why we need this law, not why we should strip it.  

“We need to pass a supplemental appropriations bill that truly protects children and their rights to due process, and I will continue to urge for the advancement of legislation that does so."
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