Congressman Robert Garcia condemns new ICE policy requiring a ‘7-day notice’ for DHS center visits

On Tuesday morning, Congressman Robert Garcia and other local elected officials held a media briefing in front of the Bell Gardens City Hall to speak out against the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and about the new ICE policy that prevents Members of Congress from visiting ICE detention centers without a 7-day notice.  

As his first act as ranking member of the Oversight Committee, Congressman Garcia sent out a letter Tuesday morning, demanding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately end this new policy. 

“The Department does not possess the authority to restrict Congress’s irrefutable constitutional duty to rigorously oversee the Executive Branch, and DHS’s new policy is a brazen effort to evade congressional scrutiny and the rule of law,” he stated in the letter.

As the new Democratic leader on the Oversight Committee, Congressman Garcia confirmed that they are launching a new investigation demanding that Secretary Noem provide detailed information about the creation of this new policy.

Congressman Garcia then introduced Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and runs the Rapid Response Network,  who has documented, verified and spoke to immigrant communities and family members impacted by these enforcement actions.

Salas emphasized that the purpose is to make sure these communities have access to legal counsel and to help make sure they have every chance to stay here in this country with their families. 

In response to the increased ICE activity around the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) area, Salas shared a map diagram that has been documented through the Rapid Response Network, demonstrating all verified ICE enforcement activity that occurred throughout June. 

The map highlights which local cities around the Los Angeles area have been impacted from these ICE raids, including Bell Gardens, South Gate and Commerce. Salas pointed out that the population of these local cities is majority Latino immigrants.

“What we're seeing here is a racist, racially profiled military style in enforcement operation, federal operation, including all sorts of agencies, the FBI, DEA, the ATF and many more,” said Salas.

Salas ended her portion by reading out a report they received about the poor conditions immigrants are facing while in the detention center. Without any information about where they are being held or they could be transferred, some have experienced the limited medical assistance, food and water that has occurred at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center.

Considering the reports about the living conditions at the detention centers, Salas reiterated the importance of having members of Congress and other elected officials having the authority to enter these facilities.

“We have to put light into what's happening. We have to put attention to the fact that these operations are in so many ways, racially profiling our community. They're extrajudicial, they're warrantless, they're aggressive, and it needs to stop,” said Salas.

Both local mayors at the press conference shared the same sentiment about how important immigrants are to the United States, local cities and neighborhoods and shared stories about how their constituents are being heavily affected from the actions of the Trump administration.

The City of Bell’s mayor, Ali Saleh, spoke about how this isn't just about enforcement anymore, but about causing real fear. People are scared to take their kids to school, some are skipping work because they are worried they might not be safe and small business owners are also feeling the impact.

“They help our neighborhoods to grow and thrive. We just want fairness, safety and a chance to live without fear. I care about this community. I stand with you, and I will do everything to keep our families safe and supported,” said Mayor Saleh.

Bell Gardens Mayor Jorgel Chavez said these activities being conducted are not about safety and justice, but about instilling fear, intimidation and targeted cruelty. He continued to talk about federal agents refusing to identify themselves and showing up to parks, clinics and school graduation ceremonies. 

“They are literally dragging people away in front of their children. They are kidnapping our community. They are traumatizing families, and it is overwhelmingly targeted towards Latinos. This is not about law enforcement. This is a political show,” said Mayor Chavez.

In response to these ICE raids being conducted, Mayor Chavez announced that they are taking steps to help the community, such as expanding emergency delivery services for groceries, medications and pediatric resources.

Mayor Chavez also confirmed that their police department will not cooperate with ICE and instead follow California law. “When our police department becomes immigration agents, community trust disappears, and public safety suffers,” he said.

And they will be working with their legal partners and immigrant rights organizations to document every abuse and connect impacted families with help. Mayor Chavez also spoke about the city canceling their Fourth of July celebration to show that there is a deeper understanding of the fear immigrant communities are facing.

“This isn't just about our laser show at our annual Fourth of July celebration. This is about standing up for our neighbors and saying enough is enough. We are a city of immigrants, a city of workers, a city of families and when any of us are under attack, all of us feel it,” said Mayor Chavez.

As the new Democratic leader on the Oversight Committee, Congressman Garcia said that those involved in creating these conditions will be held accountable. As the Senate just passed Trump’s massive tax and immigration bill, it could lead to an increase in unlawful activity and double the number of these detention centers.

In response, Congressman Garcia stated that they are going to make sure these communities get the justice they deserve and ensure those involved in creating these circumstances will be held accountable.