1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing as a Chicago resident to demand immediate action to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the state of Illinois. Recent reporting regarding the death of a Minnesotan woman during an ICE operation, followed by serious allegations that ICE officials misrepresented or concealed the circumstances, has reinforced what many communities have been saying for years: ICE operates with impunity, lacks meaningful oversight, and poses a direct threat to public safety and human life. Regardless of immigration status, no federal agency should be permitted to detain, injure, or kill civilians and then evade accountability. If any other agency behaved in this manner, it would face immediate suspension and investigation. ICE should not be an exception. Illinois has long positioned itself as a state that values human rights, due process, and community safety. Allowing ICE to continue operating here directly contradicts those values. Their presence undermines trust in public institutions, discourages cooperation with local authorities, and terrorizes immigrant families who are integral to our communities and economy. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives serving Chicago, you have both the authority and the responsibility to act. I urge you to: Publicly call for a full, independent investigation into the death of the Minnesotan woman and any alleged misconduct by ICE. Support legislation and funding restrictions that prohibit ICE operations within Illinois. Work with state and local leaders to ensure that Illinois fully severs cooperation with ICE and protects residents from federal overreach. Silence or inaction in the face of credible allegations of abuse is complicity. Illinois must draw a clear line: agencies that harm our neighbors and lie about it are not welcome here. I expect a public response outlining the concrete steps you will take to address this matter.