Establish Immediate Congressional Oversight of ICE's Unlawful Detentions

The recent escalation of unlawful detentions and mass deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demands immediate congressional action. These egregious violations of civil rights are not only targeting vulnerable immigrant populations but have shockingly extended to U.S. citizens, undermining the very fabric of our democracy. The Trump administration's suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and restrictions on asylum access have already put countless lives at risk. Now, we're witnessing an alarming trend of ICE detaining and attempting to deport lawful permanent residents and even American citizens, despite being presented with valid documentation. This blatant disregard for due process and constitutional rights cannot be tolerated in our nation. The scale of this issue is staggering. With 48 million immigrants in the United States, including over 100,000 resettled refugees in 2024 alone, the potential for wrongful detentions is enormous. The economic repercussions of mass deportations could be devastating, not to mention the immeasurable human cost and the climate of fear being instilled in immigrant communities. I urge you to take immediate action by establishing robust congressional oversight of ICE operations. This oversight must include: 1. Thorough investigations into cases of wrongful detentions and deportations, especially those involving U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. 2. Implementation of strict protocols for verifying citizenship and immigration status before any detention or deportation proceedings. 3. Accountability measures for ICE agents who violate due process or ignore valid documentation. 4. Regular reporting to Congress on ICE activities, including detailed breakdowns of detentions, deportations, and any incidents of wrongful action. As Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director of Refugee Congress, stated, we must act now to stop these violations and uphold due process and human dignity. The integrity of our immigration system and the rights of all individuals within our borders are at stake. I implore you to prioritize this critical issue and take swift action to protect the rights of both citizens and immigrants alike.