THOMPSON DEMANDS ANSWERS FOLLOWING WOODLAND INCIDENT: “ICE IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW”

Woodland, CA - On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) contacted Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) David Venturella to demand answers following reports that a vehicle operated by ICE personnel struck a pedestrian in Woodland.

"I demand that ICE immediately investigate this incident, fully cooperate with local law enforcement, and ensure that any individuals found to have engaged in misconduct or unlawful behavior are held accountable," wrote Thompson.

"ICE is not above the law. Its actions have contributed to growing distrust and fear within our communities, making transparency and accountability all the more critical. Federal law enforcement officers must be held to the same standards of accountability as those they are sworn to enforce. Anything less undermines public trust and the rule of law," he continued.

Thompson also demanded ICE immediately provide the following information to Thompson and his office's counsel:

• A preliminary account of the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported collision and whether the pedestrian sustained injuries.
• Confirmation that ICE has initiated an investigation and referred the matter to the appropriate oversight authorities.
• A description of the steps ICE has taken to cooperate with local law enforcement and preserve relevant evidence.
• An explanation of the policies governing the operation of ICE vehicles during enforcement activities and how compliance with those policies will be evaluated in this case.

In addition to contacting Acting Director Venturella, Thompson remains in close communication with local law enforcement and local elected officials as more information becomes available.

Read the full text of Thompson's letter here and below.

--

The Honorable David Venturella

Acting Director

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

500 12th Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20536

Dear Mr. Venturella:

I write to convey my serious concern regarding reports that a vehicle operated by U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel struck a pedestrian in Woodland, California, on October 20, 2026. I demand that ICE immediately investigate this incident, fully cooperate with local law enforcement, and ensure that any individuals found to have engaged in misconduct or unlawful behavior are held accountable.

The safety of our communities must always come first. Federal law enforcement officers have a responsibility to protect public safety, exercise sound judgment, and uphold the law. When an incident involving federal personnel potentially endangers or injures a member of the public, the American people deserve a thorough, impartial investigation and a clear accounting of what occurred.

Accordingly, I request that ICE immediately refer this incident to the appropriate independent investigative authorities. ICE must also fully cooperate with the Woodland Police Department, the Yolo County District Attorney's Office, and any other state or local authorities with jurisdiction over this incident. This cooperation must include making relevant personnel available for interviews and providing access to evidence, including vehicle recordings, bodyworn camera footage, communications, and incident reports, as legally appropriate.

I also expect ICE to take immediate steps to preserve all evidence related to this incident and ensure that its personnel do not interfere with any independent investigation. If the investigation determines that a federal agent violated the law, departmental policy, or applicable standards of conduct, appropriate disciplinary action must follow, including referral for criminal prosecution where warranted.

To that end, I request that ICE provide my office with the following information:

1. A preliminary account of the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the reported collision and whether the pedestrian sustained injuries.
2. Confirmation that ICE has initiated an investigation and referred the matter to the appropriate oversight authorities.
3. A description of the steps ICE has taken to cooperate with local law enforcement and preserve relevant evidence.
4. An explanation of the policies governing the operation of ICE vehicles during enforcement activities and how compliance with those policies will be evaluated in this case.

ICE is not above the law. Its actions have contributed to growing distrust and fear within our communities, making transparency and accountability all the more critical. Federal law enforcement officers must be held to the same standards of accountability as those they are sworn to enforce. Anything less undermines public trust and the rule of law.

I request an initial response within seven days and continued updates as the investigation proceeds. I expect ICE's full cooperation in establishing the facts and ensuring accountability. To coordinate a response to this letter, please contact my counsel, Eric Hoffman, at [email protected] in my Washington, D.C., office.

Sincerely,

Mike Thompson

Member of Congress