1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand immediate Congressional action to halt ICE operations that are violating the constitutional rights of American citizens and terrorizing communities. Last Thursday in Richfield, Minnesota, ICE agents detained two U.S. citizens who were working their shift at Target. Cell phone video captured agents holding these workers to the ground and forcing them into an SUV, despite one man stating he was a U.S. citizen with his passport in his pocket. Minnesota Representative Mike Howard confirmed on Friday that he spoke with both men and verified they are indeed U.S. citizens who were later released. This incident demonstrates that ICE is conducting arrests based on racial profiling rather than legitimate law enforcement criteria. When federal agents detain American citizens simply because of how they look, we have crossed a dangerous line that threatens the civil liberties of everyone in this country. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has filed a lawsuit against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other federal officials, claiming these ICE actions violate the 10th Amendment and the sovereign laws and powers of the Constitution. Representative Howard described the events as "jarring" with "devastating impacts" on the community. Ben Whalen from Isaiah, a faith-based activist organization, characterized what happened as federal agents assaulting and abducting workers. Congress has the constitutional authority and responsibility to provide oversight of federal law enforcement agencies. I am asking you to take immediate action to investigate these civil rights violations, demand accountability from ICE leadership, and support legislation that requires ICE agents to present signed judicial warrants before detaining anyone. The Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search and seizure apply to everyone on American soil, and Congress must ensure federal agencies respect these fundamental rights. When U.S. citizens cannot work their jobs without fear of being thrown to the ground and detained by federal agents, our democracy is in crisis. I need to know what specific actions you will take to address this constitutional emergency.