Democratic Steering and Policy Committee holds hearing on ICE’s lawlessness

WASHINGTON - Today, the Steering and Policy Committee held a hearing on the current impacts of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement. Under the leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have unleashed havoc in cities across the country.

WATCH FULL HEARING HERE

"For months, our communities have withstood brutal attacks by their own government. Secretary Kristi Noem's ICE and DHS agents have killed US citizens, illegally detained and deported people, kidnapped children, and occupied cities," said Rep. Robin Kelly,co-chair of Steering and Policy. "What we heard today made it clear: these are not isolated incidents, but rather, designed and predictable results by an agency operating without oversight. People are rightfully outraged, and House Democrats will answer their calls for action and hold this rogue DHS accountable."

"ICE is totally out of control, and we heard that again today. They target citizens and law-abiding immigrants and traumatize entire communities in the process," said Co-Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. "Our hearing shined a light on their abuses and provided a measure of the accountability Americans demand. We will continue to fight for dramatic changes to DHS before any funding bill passes. Taxpayers are sick of funding ICE brutality. The Floridians I represent are very clear on this: ICE shouldn't get another penny of public funds until they reform the agency and are held accountable."

"Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller and Donald Trump have unleashed unaccountable, untrained, and lawless immigration enforcement agents to terrorize and strike fear into our communities," said Co-Chair Rep. Nanette Barragán. "What we heard today reaffirms what we have seen in communities across the country, including in my district in Los Angeles County: disturbing patterns of abuse, racial profiling, verbal intimidation, unnecessary use of force, and blatant disregard for due process. These actions tear apart our families, destabilize communities, and erode trust in government. ICE should be bound by the same rules as any other law enforcement organization. They are not exempt from the Constitution. House Democrats will continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice."

Five witnesses provided testimony on ICE's assault against our communities:

The Steering and Policy Committee has now held 18 hearings in an ongoing effort to confront and expose the Trump-Republican agenda on issues important to the American people. In addition to immigration enforcement, hearings have covered healthcare, Medicaid, food security, Social Security, veterans and small businesses.