Congressional Probe Launched Over 170 Detained U.S. Citizens

UPDATE: A joint Congressional investigation has been launched following shocking revelations from ProPublica that over 170 Americans have been detained by immigration officials this year. This urgent inquiry was announced just hours ago by Democratic leaders in the House and Senate, who are demanding accountability for the treatment of U.S. citizens by immigration agents.

During a press conference in Los Angeles, Rep. Robert Garcia highlighted that many of those detained are Latino, stating, “Over 170 U.S. Citizens are being arrested. Why? Because they look like me.” The investigation aims to uncover the practices of immigration agents and includes a planned hearing in Los Angeles.

The findings are alarming. ProPublica’s investigation revealed that as of October 5, 2023, at least 50 citizens had been detained based solely on inquiries about their citizenship status. Most of these individuals are Latino, raising concerns of racial profiling. The report also indicates that approximately 130 others were detained during raids or protests, often under dubious circumstances.

Many detainees have reported severe mistreatment, including being dragged, beaten, and held without access to legal counsel. “It’s important that we say today that what is happening to undocumented residents is also happening to U.S. citizens,” stated Mayor Karen Bass, emphasizing the broader implications of these arrests.

The investigation comes as the Biden administration faces growing scrutiny over its immigration enforcement policies. Garcia and Sen. Richard Blumenthal have reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding transparency regarding the treatment of citizens in cities like Los Angeles, which they say have been disproportionately affected by aggressive enforcement tactics.

In response to the inquiry, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin denied allegations of racial profiling, asserting that the agency enforces immigration laws “without fear, favor, or prejudice.” However, the agency has not responded to previous Congressional inquiries regarding these practices.

The implications of this investigation are significant, as it raises fundamental questions about civil rights and the treatment of citizens versus undocumented individuals. The inquiry is not just about the arrests; it’s about what these actions mean for communities across the nation.

Officials are now calling for a comprehensive review of the policies that led to these detentions. Investigators will seek all records related to the treatment of U.S. citizens by immigration officials, with an eye towards ensuring accountability and transparency.

As this situation develops, the focus will be on how these revelations impact public trust in immigration enforcement and the broader implications for civil rights in the U.S. The Congressional investigation is set to shed light on what is occurring in neighborhoods across the country, igniting discussions on immigration policy and racial profiling.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The urgent need for accountability in immigration enforcement has never been more pressing, and the outcomes of this investigation could have lasting effects on communities nationwide.