Young People Address the Nation, a campaign that “hosts actions in response to moments that lack perspectives from young people,” has called on members of Congress to boycott President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address.
In a call to action obtained by The Daily Signal on Monday, Young People Address the Nation, which falls under the umbrella of the nonprofit organization Amplify Pledge, urged lawmakers “who consider themselves defenders of democratic institutions” to boycott the address scheduled for Feb. 24.
The group also urged lawmakers to assert “Congress’s constitutional role as a check on executive power,” and “demand transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement and Department of Homeland Security operations.”
“Young people are not asking for symbolic statements,†Young People Address the Nation Executive Producer Dillon St. Bernard wrote in the communique. “When constitutional norms and civil liberties are in question, pretending this is business as usual sends the wrong message. If lawmakers believe democratic guardrails are being tested, they should not lend legitimacy through ceremony.â€
Young People Address the Nation writes that its call comes amid “ongoing [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] enforcement operations,” the expansion of “detention practices,” and “mounting concerns over due process.”
The organization also mentioned the “high-stakes standoff in Congress over [Department of Homeland Security] funding” as a reason for its protest demands.
In addition to its call for a boycott, the organization will also hold a “digital rapid response” during the address, featuring young online personalities and “civic leaders” nationwide who will provide “commentary, fact-checking, and youth-centered analysis.”
Amplify Pledge did not respond to The Daily Signal’s request for comment.
While no members of Congress have said they will not attend the Feb. 24 address, many have sought to take action against ICE.
In January, Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., introduced the Abolish ICE Act to “fundamentally change the way we approach immigration.”
“Beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, no Federal funds may be made available to carry out any of the functions, duties, or responsibilities assigned or delegated to the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” his bill reads in part.
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