Jennicet Gutiérrez, who works with LGBT advocacy organizations, called on Obama to stop the torture and abuse of trans women in detention. The president responded by saying, “Listen, you’re in my house.”
Vice President Joe Biden, left, and President Barack Obama react after a heckler was removed from the East Room of the White House during a reception to celebrate LGBT Pride Month.
Evan Vucci / AP
An undocumented transgender woman who interrupted President Obama during the Pride Month Reception at the White House Wednesday called on the administration to release LGBT immigrants from detention, before being escorted out.
Jennicet Gutiérrez, who works with LGBT advocacy organizations Familia: TQLM and GetEqual, was removed shortly after she interrupted Obama's speech.
"President Obama, release all LGBTQ in detention centers," Gutiérrez said during the reception. "President Obama, stop the torture and abuse of trans women in detention centers."
Obama responded by saying, "No, no, no, no. Hey, listen, you're in my house," to cheers and applause of some in attendance.
"You are not going to get a good response from me by interrupting me like this. Shame on you, you shouldn't be doing this," Obama said.
Transgender immigrants and human rights groups have expressed concerns about the conditions trans detainees are kept in. Some report being sexually assaulted, lack of medical care, and being placed in solitary confinement.
A 2013 investigation by the Government Accountability Office found that of 15 substantiated reports of sexual abuse and assault, one fifth involved transgender detainees.
After the incident Jennicet Gutiérrez said she could not celebrate while some 75 trans detainees remained in ICE custody.
"The White House gets to make the decision whether it keeps us safe," Gutiérrez said in a statement. "If the President wants to celebrate with us, he should release the LGBTQ immigrants locked up in detention centers immediately."