Rep. Linda Sánchez wants more accountability from federal immigration authorities for their actions — including the detention of a constituent who is a U.S. citizen — during recent enforcement operations in Southern California.
The Whittier Democrat said her constituent was detained during an immigration raid at a Walmart in Pico Rivera in June. He was indicted in August with impeding immigration officials, but Sánchez said her office has not received any additional information from the Homeland Security and Justice departments, despite an inquiry.
“Right now, DHS and ICE aren’t following the law,” Sánchez said. “They’re racially profiling and targeting entire groups instead of focusing on dangerous individuals and criminals. No U.S. citizen should have to carry their birth certificate or passport everywhere they go just to prove who they are.”
“Congress has a responsibility to oversee immigration enforcement, and we need to use that power to hold these agencies accountable,” she said.
We’re connecting our readers to the six House members who represent at least a portion of Orange County. We asked each lawmaker several questions — tailored to their policy expertise, committee assignments or votes — as well as a personal bonus question.
Sánchez, 56, represents California’s 38th Congressional District, which includes communities in Los Angeles and Orange counties, including La Habra. A former labor lawyer, Sánchez was the first woman IBEW member elected to Congress.
Read on to find out more about what Sánchez thinks about tariffs and the massive spending cut bill signed into law over the summer.
Q: As the government shutdown continues with no end in sight, what are you seeing is the biggest impact on the communities you represent? Is there a short-term fix you’d encourage while the shutdown continues?
A: There isn’t a quick fix because the health care crisis is right now. The government is shut down because Republicans — who control the White House, the House and the Senate — have failed to address the sharp rise in health care premiums. Millions of Americans are now learning about these drastic increases from their health insurers, a direct consequence of Republican inaction. The moment Republicans are willing to offer a real solution to rising health care costs, we can reopen the government.
For Californians, the situation is dire. Over 40,000 people in my district need these tax credits to keep their health care plans affordable. My constituents are going to see their premiums double. And it’s worse in some Republican districts. For instance, Congressman (Doug) LaMalfa’s constituents (in California’s 1st Congressional District) are going to see their premiums almost triple. The only answer to a funding solution for the American people is extending these Affordable Care Act tax credits. Republicans are blocking this extension while turning a blind eye to their own president sending $40 billion to Argentina to bail them out, a cost far more expensive than extending health care tax credits another year.
In terms of a short-term solution, Democrats cannot trust vague promises that Republicans might extend these tax credits later in the year. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1 — Americans are already receiving their premium notices — the time to act is now.
Q: As negotiations continue, is there a specific area where you see your party could come to a compromise with the other side of the aisle to move the needle closer on ending the shutdown?
A: It’s hard to find a compromise when the other side isn’t even showing up for work.
Speaker Johnson has kept the House in recess since Sept. 19, so most Republicans aren’t even in Washington. And President Trump has largely refused to even meet with Democratic leadership, only sitting down with them once in the days before the government shutdown and not since. Republicans have never wanted to compromise or negotiate. The government is shut down, and the party that controls everything is missing in action. Democrats are ready to work with them to reopen the government, but we won’t do it by capitulating and failing to deliver affordable health care for working families — especially after Republicans cut Medicaid to pay for some of the largest billionaire tax breaks in our country’s history just a few months ago. Democrats are showing up and fighting for their constituents; it’s time for Republicans to do the same.
Q: While federal workers don’t get paid during shutdowns, members of Congress do. Many have asked for their pay to be withheld; are you one of those members? Why or why not?
A: Members of Congress cannot adjust their pay mid-term under the Constitution, regardless of whether we are in a shutdown or not. While it’s admirable that some members are saying that, I doubt that members can successfully have their pay withheld by the Treasury. And given we are paid once a month, members wouldn’t miss a paycheck until Oct. 31 if we are still in a shutdown.
I want to get the government open well before then. I have been in Washington working to reopen the government from day one of shutdown for the American people, and Republicans should be here working to do the same.
Ultimately, I’d rather get the government open, extend the ACA tax credits so health care premiums don’t spike for families and ensure that every federal worker gets their paychecks that they have earned through their public service.
Q: As the Trade Subcommittee ranking member, you’ve been highly critical of the Trump administration’s tariffs and trade policies. Is there a situation when tariffs — or threats of tariffs — work? Please explain your answer.
A: Tariffs are a powerful tool, but when misused, they can lead to disastrous consequences. Our economy and democratic values should never be at the mercy of a single individual. That’s why our founding fathers entrusted this authority to Congress.
Yet, President Trump has been trampling on our Constitution by circumventing Congress and weaponizing tariffs for corruption and self-dealing. Take his trade deal with Vietnam, which was struck just one month after the Vietnamese government approved the Trump Organization’s $1.5 billion golf resort project. Or his trade war against Brazil, which was started by Trump to protect his political ally, former-President Jair Bolsonaro, from facing justice for his failed coup attempt.
And what do we have to show for this? American jobs haven’t been brought back. Since the start of the Trump administration, manufacturing jobs in the U.S. have steadily declined. Last month alone, we lost 12,000 manufacturing jobs. Meanwhile, Americans are struggling with rising prices at the grocery store and on essential goods.
Pharmaceuticals and critical medical supplies are now the president’s next targets for tariffs, threatening access to health care and life-saving medicines and equipment for millions of Americans and health care workers.
Tariffs, when crafted thoughtfully and strategically with Congress’ input, can address specific unfair trade practices and level the playing field for American workers. But, make no mistake, there’s no strategy with President Trump’s use of tariffs, no long-term plan and American families are left to pay the brunt.
Q: You voted against the massive spending cuts bill that was ultimately signed into law over the summer, citing the cuts it made to Medicaid and Medicare, among other assistance areas. What is some guidance you’re giving local nonprofits and organizations that address health care gaps in your district? In other words, what is a solution to problems you identified with that bill?
A: Unfortunately, it is impossible to fill a health coverage gap of 15 million Americans losing their health insurance — that is why every single Democrat voted against that bill. What I can tell you is that Democrats are working to reverse those cuts and restore health coverage.
We’re also pushing to extend critical tax credits that help millions of Americans afford insurance through the marketplace. If these tax credits expire, an additional 4.2 million people could lose access to their health care.
Q: There has been a lot of talk about political rhetoric and civil discourse in this country in recent months. How do you define civil discourse? And what is one thing you are doing to be a leader in your community amid calls to tone down rhetoric?
A: Civil discourse means debating ideas and policies, not resorting to personal attacks or spreading misinformation. I reject all forms of political violence and believe we absolutely need to lower the temperature in our political conversations.
But that is difficult when we have a president who is constantly demonizing entire communities and refusing to denounce violence, at times even encouraging it. I feel we have a responsibility to call that out and push back every time.
But I’m also focused on finding common ground whenever possible and working with my Republican colleagues. For instance, in the past couple of weeks, I’ve introduced bipartisan bills to improve access to affordable housing for veterans and increase transparency in Medicare Advantage billing. We don’t have to agree on everything. But where we can find agreement, we should work together.
Q: You have called on the Trump administration to explain why one of your constituents was detained by federal immigration officials during a raid, even though he is a U.S. citizen. Have you gotten any answers as to how that happened? And is there something Congress can do to ensure that Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are verifying citizenship?
A: We still don’t have answers about why Adrian Martinez was detained, just a vague acknowledgment of our inquiry. We also only received a basic response from the inspector general regarding our call for an investigation into the ICE agents who publicly urinated near a preschool playground. But I’m still pushing for a response. I’m not backing down from demanding accountability.
Right now, DHS and ICE aren’t following the law. They’re racially profiling and targeting entire groups instead of focusing on dangerous individuals and criminals. No U.S. citizen should have to carry their birth certificate or passport everywhere they go just to prove who they are. Congress has a responsibility to oversee immigration enforcement, and we need to use that power to hold these agencies accountable.
Democrats have been doing everything we can, including conducting oversight of immigration facilities, calling for hearings and shining a light on these problems. And when we take back the House of Representatives, the Trump administration will have to answer for the chaos they’ve created in our communities.
Q: U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier this year rescinded a policy that had shielded many crime victims from detention and deportation. Do you support this change? And is this something you think the federal government — or even Congress — could revisit amid concerns that the revoking of that policy could harm public safety by making it less likely that victims will report crimes and cooperate with local police? Please explain your answer.
A: I strongly oppose this decision. Immigrant victims of crime were already afraid to come forward, which made it hard to hold criminals accountable. This will only make things worse. Right now, any contact with local or state law enforcement puts you at risk of detainment and deportation. As a result, more crimes will go unreported, and our communities will become less safe.
If the Trump administration won’t restore the previous policy, then Congress must step in and fix this mistake.
Bonus question: If you are throwing a dinner party, what is the signature dish you would make for your guests?
A: I would make Enchiladas Suizas. It is a mildly spicy dish, but also has a slight tang to it. Cooked and shredded chicken is seasoned with cumin and cilantro and rolled inside a tortilla that is then bathed in a green tomatillo salsa. It is topped with Mexican cheese and baked in the oven. It is a warm, flavorful comfort food.