FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2026

Over 1,000 Voters Join Analilia Mejia, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Delia Ramirez for Bilingual Tele-Town Hall

For a recording of the tele-town hall, click here

Analilia Mejia and members of Congress answer questions about how to respond to ICE, outline plans to defund the rogue agency and impeach Kristi Noem

Glen Ridge, NJ — On the first day of early voting in the special primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, more than 1,000 voters from across the district joined Democratic candidate Analilia Mejia for a bilingual tele-town hall on immigration enforcement. Analilia Mejia was joined by U.S. Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Delia Ramirez (IL-3).

The hour-long call fielded questions from voters in the district about how to keep their communities safe as ICE raids escalate, how Congress can address rising costs, and how Democrats plan to fight back against the Trump administration.

“I know, just like these members of Congress, that people are demanding real change,” said Analilia Mejia. “They want bold Democrats who will stand up against Donald Trump and push the envelope to fight for what our communities need. We haven't had a moment like this one since the civil rights movement in the 1960s. That moment teaches us that when we organize together we are able to win. We can do it."

“I’m going to be very direct with you. I need Analilia in Congress as soon as possible,” said Rep. Ramirez, lead sponsor of the Melt ICE Act. “She’s a defender of humanity, she’s an organizer, and she’s not the type of person to talk in hashtags, she gets things done. We need someone with the moral clarity and courage she has to fight like hell for our communities.”

“We are asking for you to support Analilia Mejia for Congress,” said Rep. Espaillat, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. “She will be an advocate for universal healthcare, make sure we get a higher minimum wage, and fight head on against the abuses of ICE. She will make us proud and she will represent us with distinction.”

The town hall also included representatives from the Latino Victory Fund, Nedia Morsy, Director of Make the Road New Jersey, and Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU.

"As the daughter of immigrants, as a daughter of union members, she has always known that if we want to fight for change we have to do it together," said Ana Maria Hill. “She will take what she did here in New Jersey—raising wages and getting paid sick days—and bring that to the national level."

“We have a huge opportunity here,” said Nedia Morsy. “Analilia has made a commitment to abolish ICE, and if we elect her to Congress, she will have the ability to do that.”

Speakers advised callers not to open their doors to ICE agents unless they have a warrant, to stay connected with local community organizations, and to check in regularly with their neighbors.

“The answer is community,” said Mejia, who has hosted a series of ICE Watch town halls across the district. “Get to know your neighbors and check in with them. Turning to community is how we protect our community.”

Early voting begins today and runs through Tuesday, February 3. Election Day is Thursday, February 5.

A recording of the tele-town hall is available here.

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