Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14)
WASHINGTON — Representative Lauren Underwood, member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, sent three investigative letters to Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Kristi Noem, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott, to demand answers and documentation related to Operation Midway Blitz.
In her letters, Underwood raised serious concerns about these agencies’ conduct, including potential constitutional violations, the wrongful detention of U.S. citizens, misuse of taxpayer dollars, and an unprecedented lack of transparency. The letters further underscore major unanswered questions about the cost, scope, and impact of immigration enforcement operations on Illinois’ communities.
“Congress has both the authority and duty to understand how taxpayer dollars are being spent and whether federal agencies are following the law,” Underwood said. “This Administration is completely out of control, and these so-called immigration enforcement operations in Illinois and around the country are terrorizing our communities, putting people in danger, and undermining our civil rights. I will not stop pressing for the accountability and transparency that our families deserve.”
Underwood and other Members of the Illinois delegation have repeatedly sought briefings, facility access, and basic details of immigration enforcement actions from the Trump Administration. Those requests have been consistently delayed or denied, obstructing Congress’s ability to conduct lawful oversight and help constituents impacted by enforcement actions.
People who need help with federal agencies like ICE and DHS are always encouraged to contact Rep. Underwood’s office for free assistance at (630) 549-2190 or visit https://underwood.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency.
Full text of Underwood’s letters can be found here:
Investigative letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Investigative letter to U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Investigative letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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