1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to urge your immediate support for the joint congressional investigation into the alarming detention of U.S. citizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Recent findings by ProPublica have exposed a deeply troubling pattern: at least 170 American citizens were wrongfully detained by immigration agents in 2023 alone. This is not just a violation of civil rights; it's an assault on the very fabric of our democracy. The scale and nature of these detentions are shocking. Fifty citizens were held based solely on questions about their citizenship status, with the majority being Latino. This suggests a disturbing trend of racial profiling that cannot be ignored. Even more concerning, approximately 130 others were detained following raids or protests, often on dubious charges of assaulting officers or interfering with arrests. These actions raise serious questions about the use of immigration enforcement as a tool to suppress dissent and target specific communities. Reports of physical violence against detainees and denial of access to legal representation are particularly alarming. Such treatment of any individual on U.S. soil is unacceptable, but when inflicted upon citizens, it represents a fundamental breakdown of our justice system. The Department of Homeland Security's dismissal of racial profiling claims is inadequate in the face of this evidence. We need a thorough, transparent investigation to uncover the full extent of these practices and to hold those responsible accountable. The planned hearing in Los Angeles and the demand for nationwide records are crucial first steps. I urge you to take a strong stance in support of this investigation. Push for comprehensive reforms to prevent future wrongful detentions, ensure proper training and oversight of ICE agents, and implement robust safeguards to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their appearance or ethnicity. The integrity of our immigration system and the trust of the American people are at stake. Your leadership on this issue is vital to restoring faith in our institutions and protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. Act now to support this investigation and champion the reforms necessary to prevent such egregious violations from ever happening again.