URGENT: ICE Illegally Detaining U.S. Citizens - Congressional Action Required

I am writing to demand immediate action to stop ICE’s illegal detention and deportation of American citizens. Recent cases document a disturbing pattern where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are arresting, detaining, and even deporting U.S. citizens in violation of federal law. George Retes, a 25-year-old disabled Army veteran and U.S. citizen, was detained for three days without charges, denied access to a lawyer, and prevented from contacting his family after ICE agents pepper-sprayed him and dragged him from his vehicle during a July raid in California. This is not an isolated incident but part of a dangerous escalation that threatens every American’s constitutional rights. Congressional investigations have documented ICE detaining firefighters, disabled children, military veterans, and even members of Congress—all U.S. citizens wrongfully held by immigration authorities. The ACLU reports ICE has deported three U.S. citizen children, including one suffering from cancer who was deported without medication. Government Accountability Office data shows ICE arrested 674 potential U.S. citizens, detained 121, and deported 70 during a five-year period, though experts warn the actual numbers are likely much higher due to poor record-keeping. These violations occur because agents are operating with insufficient safeguards and inadequate training on citizens’ constitutional rights. ICE’s own internal guidance states clearly: “As a matter of law, ICE cannot assert its civil immigration enforcement authority to arrest and/or detain a U.S. citizen.” Yet agents continue breaking this law with impunity. Citizens report being denied medical care while burning from chemical agents, held incommunicado in isolation cells, and subjected to physical violence including knees placed on their necks and backs. These are fundamental violations of due process that would be criminal if committed by any other law enforcement agency. I urge you to take three immediate actions: First, cosponsor the Stop ICE from Kidnapping US Citizens Act to formally prohibit ICE from detaining or deporting American citizens and establish penalties for agents who violate this law. Second, demand ICE immediately implement mandatory citizenship verification training and constitutional rights protocols for all agents. Third, support congressional investigations into these civil rights violations with full subpoena power to compel ICE accountability. American citizens should not live in fear of their own government. The Constitution guarantees due process for all persons—a right ICE is systematically violating. Your immediate action is essential to restore the rule of law and protect Americans from their own immigration enforcement agency.