1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

Congress must investigate and stop deaths in ICE detention. When a person is detained by domestic law enforcement, immigration enforcement or in combat, there are legal requirements to ensure safe conditions. Such requirements have been continually violated by ICE and DHS, to the point that it looks as if lawless cruelty is a policy choice. Look at the stats: Per CBS: ICE custody deaths are at a 2-decade high. An Afghan refugee who helped U.S. forces is one of the latest to die. Per The Guardian, 2025 was ICE’s deadliest year in two decades." 32 people died in custody. There have already been 13 deaths in 2026. One of the most recent deaths was Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal who died less than 24 hours after being detained. Paktyawal had worked alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan: he risked his life to help the U.S. He was a young healthy man. Medical help was too late. Reports of brutality, cruelty, contaminated food and theft by ice agents of detainees personal property should shock you. Recent news about Camp Montana is horrifying: At Largest ICE Detention Camp, East Montana, staff bet on detainee suicides, AP Reports. They also beat detainees who requested medicines. Camp East Montana has received several 911 calls in the span of five months about immigrants trying to harm themselves. DHS Is now 'Upgrading' the East Montana Detention Facility - the one rife with abuse claims. East Montana should be closed. The Detention system and its staff are committing crimes. Who will hold them accountable? When? Congress has funded and enabled this. Despite the departures of Noem and Bovino, the danger of ICE is unchecked: In the past week Todd Lyons, acting ICE director, lied under oath in Congress when asked if there were registers of US protestors. I am grateful to all members of Congress who have been carrying out their duties of oversight. I remain shocked and appalled at the deaths, cruelty, and abuse, horrified by the lack of decency and legality associated with ICE. PLEASE: ---NO FUNDS for ICE. ---Investigate deaths in custody. ---NO on Mullin ---bring consequences for Todd Lyons' lies