Democrats Respond To ICE Enforcement In Danbury

**News Release Submitted by Danbury Democratic Town Committee**

Aug. 19, 2025

We somberly recalled last week in Danbury, the 80th anniversary of the unconditional surrender by Japan to end World War 2. It starkly reminded us to “Never Forget”. We, 100% united as members of the Danbury Democratic Town Committee, will never forget so that in a moment of crisis, as unimaginable as it is in OUR country - indeed OUR City, we know what needs to be done.

We fully comprehend Martin Niemöller's gut-wrenching observations regarding the holocaust: “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

What our community witnessed in Danbury this past week was frightening, abhorrent, and un-American. As ICE agents, armed, masked, without identification and in full combat gear, stormed the Danbury courthouse parking lot, we are hit smack in the face by those chilling words —and we are again speaking out supporting our Mayor and legislative delegation in their statement and actions.

This display of force was not law enforcement at all - it was intimidation. These militarized raids terrorize families, undermine trust in our institutions, and make our entire city less safe. Justice and our constitutional rights are being trampled in the guise of saving our democratic values - and that, is just not the truth.

Let us be clear: these tactics are the direct result of decisions and specific directives made by President Trump and his Republican allies in Congress. They have chosen to arm and unleash ICE into our communities. They claim to target violent and hardened criminals; but we know better: people are being detained for minor infractions. These actions are not about safety and protecting us in the streets or in our homes; they are about fear and control.

It does not start - nor stop - with ICE in Danbury. The U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi, offered her offensive view of life in our state. Bondi’s letter this past week addressed to our thoughtful Governor, Ned Lamont, states, “You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies and practices that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States. This ends now.” Her arrogant proclamation is also designed to intimidate and scare us and not to enhance law enforcement. There are simply no facts to support her claim, and we will not be intimidated by the Trump administration version of an alternative reality in Connecticut. Our courageous Attorney General, William Tong, issued a forceful statement that the accusations are simply false. “There is nothing in our laws or statutes that says Connecticut is a ‘sanctuary’ state. We are not.”

Our immigrant neighbors are an integral part of this wonderful community. We condemn these raids, and we stand united against any attempt to divide or terrorize the people of Danbury and of our state.

In a separate statement issued Aug. 18, Mayor Roberto Alves, State Sen. Julie Jushner, and State Representatives Bob Godfrey, Ken Gucker and Farley Santo said:

"When we took the oath of office, we made a commitment to ensure the safety of our community. We're angry and saddened that so many in our city, throughout the state, and across the nation are living in fear. What we witnessed in Danbury at the courthouse last week was a clear escalation of the Trump administration's violent tactics, using armed and masked ICE agents to spread fear and intimidation.

"The federal government claims to target criminals, but we are witnessing people being detained without their constitutional right to due process.

"While immigration enforcement is the federal government's responsibility, Connecticut law, the Trust Act, is clear -- our state and local agencies are not to cooperate in these operations. We will continue to ensure the Trust Act is fully enforced and that no city staff, police, or resources are ever used to aid these actions.

"Our immigrant neighbors are part of the very fabric of this city. Our mayor and Representative Santos were once undocumented immigrants who had firsthand experience with the fear, the silence, and the constant uncertainty these families face. At the local level, we will continue to meet with members of the community and faith leaders to provide resources and share information. At the state level, we will support efforts to strengthen and enforce the Trust Act.

"We condemn the tactics and fear that the federal administration has brought to our community, and we will stand united not just in words, but also in action, to protect and defend the people of Danbury."