Their message is clear: No immigrant—no matter their legal status or contributions—is safe from GOP attacks

5 MAR 2025

Washington, D.C – Tonight, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) posted about Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) on X and referred to him as an “illegal immigrant.” The attack makes clear that Trump’s Republican Party does not discriminate in its effort to vilify and erase immigrants—no matter their status, contributions, or leadership in this country.

Beatriz Lopez, Co-Executive Director of Catalyze/Citizens released the following statement:

“This is xenophobia on clear display. This smear against Rep. Espaillat shows exactly how their anti-immigrant agenda works—there is no distinction, no line they won’t cross. To them, you either fit their narrow version of America, or you are a target. This isn’t about policy. It’s about power, and their unapologetic actions and tasteless rhetoric against leaders, dissenters and families to undermine democracy and communities.”

###

Catalyze/Citizens is dedicated to winning protections for millions of aspiring citizens and safeguarding America’s democracy by leading innovative advocacy campaigns, generating powerful narrative interventions and forging groundbreaking alliances.es.