1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

I am deeply troubled by the recent incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Van Nuys, California. On September 9, an 80-year-old U.S. citizen and car wash owner, Rafie Shouhed, was seriously injured during an ICE raid. This disturbing event highlights the urgent need for reform in our immigration enforcement practices. Surveillance footage reveals that ICE agents not only detained five employees but also knocked Mr. Shouhed to the ground when he attempted to inform them that some employees had proper documentation. The consequences were severe: Mr. Shouhed suffered a dislocated elbow and broken ribs, requiring hospitalization. He was also wrongfully arrested and taken to Metro Detention Center, despite being a U.S. citizen. The Department of Homeland Security's statement that Mr. Shouhed was arrested for assaulting and impeding a federal officer is deeply concerning, given the video evidence and the injuries sustained by an elderly citizen. This incident raises serious questions about the use of force, proper identification procedures, and the overall conduct of ICE operations. I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue. We need a thorough, independent investigation into this incident and a comprehensive review of ICE protocols. It's crucial to implement stricter oversight measures, improve training on de-escalation techniques, and establish clear guidelines for identifying and protecting U.S. citizens and legal residents during enforcement actions. Furthermore, I ask that you support legislation to reform immigration enforcement practices, emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection. This should include measures to increase transparency, enhance accountability for misconduct, and ensure that enforcement actions do not target or harm law-abiding citizens and businesses. The treatment of Mr. Shouhed is not just an isolated incident but a symptom of a system that needs urgent reform. As your constituent, I implore you to take a stand against such egregious violations of civil rights and work towards an immigration enforcement approach that upholds our values of justice and human dignity.