Ranking Member Jayapal, Omar Demand Noem, Bondi End ICE and CBP Enforcement Actions in Minnesota

SEATTLE, WA - U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) are demanding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi end Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations in Minnesota. Jayapal and Omar led a field hearing in Minnesota in the days between the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti to urge accountability and lift the stories of US citizens and immigrants being terrorized in the Twin Cities.

"At our hearing, we heard from incredibly powerful witnesses - members of the community who are standing up for their neighbors, and even those who have been detained and had their rights violated for no reason," wrote the Members. "Throughout the hearing, it became clear to all of us that the increase in DHS personnel is making the Twin Cities less safe. Unfortunately, it appears the President and your Department are deliberately escalating tensions in Minnesota with a pattern of reckless, unlawful, and inhumane conduct against the people living in the Twin Cities."

In the hearing, attended by more than two dozen Members from 18 states, participants heard from Mayors Jacob Frey and Kaohly Her, Attorney General Keith Ellison, as well as US citizens who ICE had detained. Outside the hearing, Members met with directly impacted people from across the Twin Cities to hear off-the-record testimony on the terror they had been experiencing.

"We demand you put an end to these lawless actions by your agencies and remove this surge of ICE and CBP from the Twin Cities. The people of Minnesota deserve better," continued the Members.

In the letter, the Members outline the testimony that they all heard during the hearing, as well as horrific cases that have happened since. The full text of the letter can be read here.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Ted Lieu (CA-36), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rob Menendez (NJ-08), Dave Min (CA-47), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Emily Randall (WA-06), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and James Walkinshaw (VA-11).

Issues: Civil Rights, Immigration