Recognizing Noah Joyce-Anderson
Floor Speech
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Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Noah Joyce-Anderson from Chicopee, Massachusetts.
Noah is a Black, trans veteran who served as a specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve from 2010 to 2015. In January of this year, Noah traveled to Minneapolis to assist protesters standing up to ICE's enforcement operations as a medic.
While at a protest outside the Whipple Building on January 30, 2026, Noah and a fellow veteran were tackled to the ground. Noah was charged with obstruction of legal process, with the bail set at $500. During booking, a clerk told Noah that there were no charges, and they would likely remain in custody through the weekend.
While in custody, Noah received only one of their nine daily medications. They were placed on suicide watch, given a soiled mattress, and put in unsanitary conditions. Previously, they had been left naked for an indeterminate period of time. A veterans group posted bail a day later, and Noah was able to walk free.
Noah is still struggling with a head injury and is being treated for back pain, muscle spasms, and post-concussive symptoms. Noah is also still unsure of the status of the charges. Hennepin County has not even confirmed whether Noah will be charged with a crime.
Noah is a veteran who went to Minneapolis to help protect peaceful protesters. I commend Noah for having the courage to do what is right, and I share Noah's story to shine a light on some of the realities of this administration's cruel immigration enforcement. I also recognize the selfless actions of those who are standing up for what is right.
Despite the violence so many in our communities have experienced, they have shown up. They are doing the good and decent thing and supporting our neighbors, whether they are down the block or across the country.
I thank all veterans, including Noah, for their service and also for standing on the right side of history and honoring the oath that they took to the Constitution. As so many of them have said, Madam Speaker, there is nothing more American than standing up for your neighbors.
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