RantCrush Top 5: February 16, 2017

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained a 23-year-old man, even though he has a valid work permit and has lived in the country since he was seven. Daniel Ramirez Medina has a job, no criminal record, and is protected under the DACA order introduced by President Obama in 2012, which allows people who were brought to the U.S. as young children to work or go to school without being deported. According to the Independent, ICE agents raided Ramirez’s home in Seattle last week and arrested him, because they claim he is a gang member. One of his lawyers said that he denies being in a gang, but that customs agents had “repeatedly pressured” him to confess. The news sparked protests in many states.

Freezing wind, but great size crowd outside ICE HQ calling for release of Daniel Ramirez Medina and Jeanette Vizguerra #HeretoStay pic.twitter.com/vaKaGm7nRn

— Esther Lee (@EstherYuHsiLee) February 15, 2017

Many Democratic politicians spoke out, condemning the move on social media. “DACA recipients should not be an ICE priority. They are young people working and contributing to this great country,” tweeted Senator Chuck Schumer.

ICE must provide answers & release Daniel immediately. This action does nothing to make our country safe.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) February 15, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.