- United States
- S.D.
- Letter
writing to express serious concerns regarding recent actions taken by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that, in my view, appear to exceed the agency’s lawful authority. While ICE plays a defined role within the federal immigration system, it is not a general law enforcement agency, nor is it granted the full range of policing powers afforded to state and local law enforcement.
My concern centers on situations in which ICE personnel have acted in ways that resemble traditional law enforcement functions without the statutory authority to do so. When any federal agency operates outside the scope of its legal mandate, it raises significant constitutional and civil liberties issues. These concerns are amplified when such actions affect individuals who may be legal residents, citizens, or otherwise not subject to immigration enforcement.
I respectfully request clarification on the following points:
- What oversight mechanisms are currently in place to ensure ICE officers operate strictly within the bounds of federal law
- What corrective actions are taken when ICE personnel engage in conduct that resembles unauthorized policing
- How the agency ensures transparency and accountability when its actions impact individuals who are not subject to immigration detention or removal
- What steps are being taken to prevent overreach and protect the rights of all individuals within the United States
It is essential that federal agencies adhere to the limits of their statutory authority, both to maintain public trust and to uphold the constitutional protections guaranteed to everyone in this country. I believe these issues warrant immediate attention and clear communication from your office.
Thank you for your time and for addressing these concerns. I look forward to your response.