1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

We must REIN IN ICE. Stop the abuse, terror, law-breaking and quota-driven kidnapping. I am writing to demand that Congress RESTORE THE OFFICE OF THE IMMIGRATION DETENTION OMBUDSMAN (OIDO) It is shocking that there are 18 deaths in detention this year, reports of shocking conditions, as well as abuse in detention, cruelty, and inadequate health care, oversight is essential. DHS attributes the closure to a lack of funding in the Homeland Security, appropriations bill; however, that bill does not require OIDO's closure. I implore you to please demand the immediate restoration of OIDO to ensure accountability for unethical actions. On ICE more generally: Read commentators and news reports: "reckless, quota-driven approach to immigration enforcement is undermining public safety, due process and the rule of law while robbing victims and their families of access to justice" No check on abuse? Why??? You are surely aware that Michael Banks, head of CBP, resigned today because of allegations of serious sexual misconduct. At the same time a report has just come out by journalist @johncarlosfrey of @raidpodcast documenting "176+ cases of CBP and ICE agents arrested, convicted, or credibly accused of sexual offenses against migrants, children, and fellow agents." I am appalled and outraged. ICE are not engaged in immigration enforcement or law enforcement. They are committing human trafficking and sexual abuse by abusing the power of their uniforms, weapons, and roles. Congress should not be funding this and should not allow any immigration enforcement to be conducted in the absence of an ombudsman.