Press Release: 6/11/2026

Whip Clark: “DACA Was a Triumph of Common Sense”

 

June 10, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and underscore Democrats’ commitment to protecting Dreamers from continued Republican attacks on immigrant families. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you to Leader Jeffries, our special guests, Chair Espaillat, Congresswoman Garcia, and the entire CHC for leading a fight that, at its core, is about human dignity.

“This is about the right of all people to a sense of safety. The right to a sense of security. The right to be treated fairly and with respect. It’s also about common sense. DACA was a triumph of common sense. Dreamers are Americans — full stop — and the paperwork should reflect that truth.

“As President Obama once put it: ‘DACA was an example of how we can be a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws.’ That’s where the American people are. That’s what people outside the MAGA bubble believe.

“We were told Trump would go after ‘the worst of the worst’. Instead, we see a deportation machine. Instead, we see law-abiding families terrorized by masked thugs. Instead, we see people intimidated, beaten up, disappeared, and even murdered in the streets of American cities.

“The people I represent, like millions of people across the country, are disgusted at what is being done in their name. It has to come to an end. It will come to an end.

“Thanks to the leadership of the CHC, we are going to keep moving forward to an immigration system that is fair, just, and emblematic of the values we hold dear as Americans. That fight continues and it’s a privilege to do that work alongside these remarkable colleagues.”

To view photos of the press conference, click HERE.

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