Representative Dave Min Leads Letter to ICE Demanding Transparency and Public Meeting on Proposed Irvine Facility

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Dave Min (CA-47) sent a letter to Todd M. Lyons, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising serious concerns over reports that ICE plans to lease office space at 2020 Main Street in Irvine, through the General Services Administration. In the letter, Rep. Min called for immediate transparency regarding the agency's plans and formally requested that ICE participate in a public meeting with local elected officials, business leaders, and community members before moving forward.

The full letter is available here.

Rep. Min wrote, "ICE's unlawful conduct in Southern California-and across the country-has eroded public trust in the agency. For months now, Orange County has seen an escalation in aggressive immigration enforcement operations carried out by federal agents employing violent tactics, like those seen in the incident involving Narciso Barranco, who was brutally beaten during an immigration raid. These operations have led to protests and civil unrest, sparked political backlash from local officials and community leaders, and negatively impacted local small businesses across Orange County. Increasing ICE's presence in Irvine without community consultation is unacceptable."

Among other things, the letter asks ICE to explain the statutory authority and defined mission of the facility, whether it will be temporary or permanent, how many personnel will be assigned, whether detainees will be processed or housed at the site, and whether DHS and ICE will follow established laws permitting Members of Congress to conduct unannounced oversight visits to this office or facility. The letter also seeks details on community impacts, including what protections will be implemented to ensure operations do not put children at risk.

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