Rep. Cisneros Joins Letter Demanding ICE Accountability for Unlawful Deaths

Washington, DC - Rep. Gil Cisneros joined a letter with nearly 200 Democratic colleagues demanding ICE be held accountable through an independent investigation into the unlawful deaths of recent victims in Maine and Texas.

"ICE is out of control and wreaking chaos on our communities, enough is enough. A single life lost to DHS's lawless actions is one too many, let alone over 6 individuals," said Rep. Gil Cisneros. "I joined almost 200 of my Democratic colleagues to demand an immediate independent investigation into the deaths of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastian Guerrero. ICE has still neglected to release any information on previous wrongful deaths perpetrated by their agents. This is a matter of public safety and protecting everyone in our communities, regardless of their immigration status. I am also demanding a detailed breakdown of all training materials and guidelines around vehicle stops, which have been recklessly weaponized by ICE agents to inflict violence."

"Both of these incidents have created enormous fear and outrage in the community, and raise serious questions about the safety of community members, regardless of immigration status," wrote the Members in the letter. "Far too many people, Americans and noncitizens alike, are dead as a result of DHS's reckless actions. There must be accountability and independent investigations."

Rep. Gil Cisneros previously led a Los Angeles County delegation letter to DHS and ICE expressing concern and outrage over an incident that threatened the safety of our communities and violated the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens. The letter was sent in the wake of deadly actions in Minnesota.

Full text of the letter is available here.

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy Veteran and the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel and Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations. Rep. Cisneros is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative.

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