Delia Ramirez on Law Enforcement

Delia Ramirez

Role at the time: U.S. representative for Illinois's 3rd district, in a post on X

Statement summary

Responding to a Washington Post report that Flock would require stricter oversight after officers misused its cameras to spy on former partners, Rep. Delia Ramirez said "reforms are not enough," called mass surveillance technology a threat to democracy, civil liberties and privacy, and said Congress must stop the ever-expanding surveillance state.

“But we know that reforms are not enough. Private tech companies have amassed record-breaking profits off our pain and the use of technology for mass surveillance is a threat to our democracy, civil liberties, and privacy. Congress must stop the ever-expanding surveillance state.”

Delia Ramirez

Role at the time: U.S. representative for Illinois's 3rd district, in prepared remarks at a shadow hearing she co-hosted

Statement summary

Closing a shadow hearing she co-hosted on ICE's use of technology, Rep. Delia Ramirez said companies including Flock Safety are profiting from the surveillance, detention and deportation of immigrant communities, listed license plate readers among the surveillance tools DHS uses, and said DHS must be stripped of any authority to use these systems, alongside abolishing ICE and dismantling DHS.

“We must strip DHS of any authority to use these systems against us. But we must also go further. We must abolish ICE and dismantle DHS. Nothing less will stop the harm these systems are inflicting on our communities.”

Delia Ramirez

Role at the time: U.S. representative from Illinois

Statement summary

Ramirez called Villegas González's death a murder by federal agents and said the state investigation was necessary for accountability and justice.

“The recently announced investigation by the Illinois State Police into the murder of Silverio Villegas González by federal agents is a needed step towards accountability and justice.”