Dear neighbor,

Last weekend, many of us saw the disturbing videos of Border Patrol agents killing Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old American citizen and ICU nurse at a VA hospital. However, almost immediately, the Trump Administration claimed Alex was an “assassin” and was threatening officers.

They are lying. Believe your eyes.

Countless Americans are stepping up and exercising their First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble, witness, and record. Thanks to their video recordings, the American people can see directly for themselves the cruelty that is happening in our streets. That’s why this Administration is now underwater on immigration, and they can feel the pressure.

Just days ago, Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino was removed from his post in Minnesota. This is a positive step, but it is not enough.

I am calling for an immediate operational stand down of ICE and CBP interior operations.

I believe the current leadership of the Department of Homeland Security has failed to protect civil liberties and ensure accountability. As a result, Secretary Kristi Noem should resign or be removed. If that doesn’t happen, I support moving forward with impeachment proceedings.

There must also be a full, transparent, and independent investigation into these killings, and we need decisive action to stop ICE and CBP’s use of excessive force and illegal detainments.

On Wednesday, I spoke about many of these issues during my telephone town hall. If you missed it, you can listen to the full recording by clicking below:

PASSPORT REMINDER: If your passport is currently valid but expires within the next six months, the State Department is recommending you consider renewing it now. Many countries require passports to have at least six months of validity in order to enter. Check your destination’s requirements now at travel.state.gov/destination and renew if needed at travel.state.gov/passport.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION: Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. Submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition are now open. The deadline to submit your art is Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5 PM Pacific Time. For more information, visit here.

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL APPLICATIONS: The 36th Congressional District’s Youth Advisory Council is a group of students in 9th-12th grade who work directly with my office to collaborate on key issues for young people in our district. Applications for the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council are now open until Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. Interested students can go here for more information.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS: My Los Angles and Washington offices are now accepting applications for our Summer 2026 Internship Program. You can find more details on how to apply and deadlines here.

My Los Angeles office is available to help with federal agency issues at (323) 651-1040, or you can visit our webpage here.

I look forward to updating you again soon. 

Warmly,

Ted