In a series of tweets posted on April 30, 2025, Representative Jimmy Panetta, who serves California’s 19th District in the U.S. Congress, reflected on significant historical and contemporary issues. Panetta has been representing the district since 2017, following his education at the University of California, Davis, and Santa Clara University. Born in 1969, he resides in Carmel Valley.
On April 30, 2025, Panetta acknowledged the day known as Black April, marking 50 years since the fall of Saigon. He stated, “Today, we pause to recognize Black April and remember the lives lost during the Vietnam War. 50 years since the fall of Saigon, our community and country have moved forward, thanks in no small part to the resiliency of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants who came to America for”.
Panetta also indicated his recent meeting with Irish Senator Mark Daly, Chairman of the Irish Seanad Éireann, on the same day, concerning an immigration case involving Cliona Ward. He tweeted at “I recently met with Senator Mark Daly, the Cathaoirleach (Chair) of the Irish Seanad Éireann (Senate), to discuss the case of Cliona Ward. Ms. Ward is a 30-year Santa Cruz County Green Card holder, currently being detained by U.S. Border Patrol due to a past 20-year-old drug”.
In a subsequent tweet later in the day, Panetta commemorated the end of the Vietnam War 50 years ago, expressing gratitude toward veterans. He mentioned, “50 years ago, the Vietnam War came to an end. Today, we recognize our veterans’ sacrifices, thank them for their service to our country, and recommit ourselves as a nation to providing all those who wore the uniform with the support they have so bravely earned.”
