On Tuesday, I joined with Congressman Jonathan Jackson in attempting to conduct an oversight visit to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Chicago’s South Loop. Our visit came after more than 200 individuals received text messages and emails ordering them to report to the facility or face violations or deportation. In several cases, the individuals who complied with these orders were immediately detained, leaving families outside confused and concerned for the safety of their loved ones.
This deceptive and harmful tactic, designed to resemble routine check-in reminders, sow fear across Chicago’s immigrant communities at a time when President Donald Trump is calling for ICE to target cities like Chicago as part of “the single largest mass deportation program in history.” These actions are not isolated; they are deliberate and calculated. These practices demonstrate that oversight of ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policies is more urgent than ever.
However, despite repeated requests, Congressman Jackson and I were denied entry to the facility, raising serious concerns over ICE’s lack of transparency and accountability. Shockingly, ICE even called the Chicago Police Department to remove us from the premises, accusing elected members of Congress of trespassing for simply trying to conduct lawful oversight.
No one should be detained through intimidation and deceit, and everyone deserves full access to their constitutional right to due process and equal protection under the law. I will continue to push and fight for answers, accountability, and justice for all those impacted by these cruel tactics.
You can watch more about my attempt to meet with ICE leadership in the South Loop here, and watch Congressman Jackson and I being denied entry here.
