Labour Senator Aodhán Ó Riordáin has called on TDs and Senators to boycott the Fourth of July celebrations at the US Embassy because of the US government's immigration policy of separating children from their parents.
Speaking at the launch of his campaign, Mr Ó Riordáin said the idea of drinking champagne at a celebration at this time would be unthinkable.
He added that this was not about party politics, as he said no political party in Ireland had made immigration an election issue, which he said we should be proud of.
Mr Ó Riordáin said Irish politicians should make a stand.
Independent Senator Billy Lawless, who is an Irish emigrant to America, was also in attendance. He described the immigration policy as a low point.
Mr Lawless said he had previously advocated attending the St Patrick's Day event at the White House, but he said he supported the boycott of the Fourth of July celebrations.
Sinn Féin's Sean Crowe, who also attended the event, said his party would be considering its position on the matter.
