[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING NOAH JOYCE-ANDERSON

  (Mr. McGovern of Massachusetts was recognized to address the House 
for 5 minutes.)
  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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