Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Terri Sewell and U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Thom Tillis have reintroduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA), legislation to help low- and middle-income Americans build wealth and save for retirement. The bill would establish a new program that gives eligible workers access to portable, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. If passed, the RSAA would allow the federal government to match contributions for low- and middle-income workers, with the match beginning to phase out at median income. 

“Too many hard-working Americans are not able to prepare financially for retirement. Over half of working employees lack access to the tax-advantaged retirement benefits that many higher-income earners take advantage of to save. Additionally, as the workforce continues to innovate and more Americans become categorized as “gig workers,” the reliance on traditional employer-sponsored plans causes too many workers to slip through the cracks. Hard-working Americans deserve a modern pathway to find financial security in their retirement. I am proud to join in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act, to help millions of Americans save for their retirements. I will continue to advocate for policies which help hard workers live their American Dream, including a well-earned and financially stable retirement,” said Smucker. 

“Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Sewell. “Democrats and Republicans alike recognize the urgent need for Congress to address the gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I am proud to once again work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”

“Roughly 50 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement,” said Tillis. “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act tackles this real problem by establishing a pathway for savings for Americans lacking retirement options.”

“Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill helps low-income workers enjoy a secure retirement and fulfill their American dream.’’

A study by the National Council on Aging found that 80% of aging Americans are struggling financially or are at risk of financial insecurity, and therefore, not prepared to retire. In a new ranking of the world’s retirement systems, the U.S. scored a C+, mainly because the current system works well for white collar workers but fails gig workers and blue collar workers. If trends continue, inadequate retirement savings will cost state and federal governments a combined $1.3 trillion in increased spending by 2040. 

A recent report from the RAND Corporation indicates that over 40 million Americans, or 26 percent of the nation’s workforce who lack access to retirement plans, would receive matching federal benefits under the RSAA. Additionally, the RAND study reports that the RSAA could pay for itself in approximately thirty years by reducing reliance on other federal programs. 

The RSAA enjoys broad support. View a full list of endorsements of the legislation HERE. 

“The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would create a healthier retirement system, a more financially secure workforce, and a stronger economy for all Americans,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO, Economic Innovation Group. “By ensuring that all workers — regardless of their employer or income — have the opportunity and incentives to build long-term financial security, the RSAA would boost the wealth of the working class and significantly reduce the strain on the social safety net over time. EIG is proud to have worked closely with Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Smucker and Sewell on this important legislation, and we applaud them for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of American workers.” 

“Nearly 1 out of 4 Americans has no retirement savings, and more than half of all Americans report they are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement. We know that Americans are much more likely to save when they have access to retirement savings options at work. Today nearly half of all private-sector employees do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would help more families across the country save for retirement.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP 

“Creating this kind of program meets an obligation we all share to help every working American build financial security and well-being in retirement. I also know it will offset future support we surely would have to provide if we don’t help more people begin to build that security today. And in true American spirit, it isn’t a giveaway, but an incentive for working individuals to begin helping themselves and their families.” – Charles R. Schwab, Founder and Chairman, Charles Schwab Corporation. Read Mr. Schwab’s full statement.  

“With more Americans choosing new ways to work than ever before, we’re proud to support this bipartisan effort to enable more workers in the modern economy to access the kinds of benefits that have long been out of reach for all but full-time employees. This is an important step toward empowering workers like Dashers to choose the independence and flexibility that dashing gives them, while still having access to important benefits. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act makes meaningful progress toward expanding access for retirement savings across the country–regardless of how someone chooses to work. We applaud Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Sewell and Smucker for working across the aisle to address such an important issue for Dashers and other Americans who are choosing new and different ways to work.” – Max Rettig, Vice President of Public Policy, DoorDash 

“Uber supports forward-looking legislation like the Retirement Savings for Americans Act to improve independent work across the nation. The bill represents a novel, thoughtful approach to bridging gaps in the existing retirement savings framework. We commend the Congressional sponsors for their ongoing efforts to advance this legislation.” – Javi Correoso, Head of Federal Affairs, Uber

The Retirement Savings for Americans Act contains the following provisions:

• Eligibility and Auto Enrollment: Full- and part-time workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan would be eligible for an account, and they would be automatically enrolled at 3% of their income. They could choose to increase or decrease their withholding, or opt out entirely at any time. Independent workers (including gig workers) would also be eligible.
• Federal Contribution: Low- and moderate-income workers would be eligible for a 1% automatic contribution (as long as they remain employed) and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This would begin to phase out at median income.
• Portability: Accounts would remain attached to workers throughout their lifetimes, and workers would be able to stop and start contributions at will.
• Private Assets: The accounts would be the property of the worker and the assets could be passed down to future generations to help them build wealth and financial security.
• Investment Options: Much like the current Thrift Savings Plan, participants would be given a menu of simple, low-fee investment options to choose from, including lifecycle funds tied to a worker’s estimated retirement date, or index funds made of stocks and bonds.

Full text of the bill is available HERE and a one-page explainer of the bill HERE.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green Ohio)

Today, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5) recognized students from Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District on their acceptance to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies at 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard. All of the students were nominated by Congressman Latta and have received offers of appointment for the Class of 2029 at their respective academies. 

“It was an honor to nominate these students from Ohio’s Fifth District to attend one of our U.S. Military Service Academies,” Latta said. “I thank each and every student for stepping up to serve our country, and I know they will do well as they embark on this new journey.” 

Students honored at today’s event and their respective appointments: 

Sarah Connor, Avon, U.S. Military Academy 

Grace Anderson, Norwalk, U.S. Naval Academy Jayden Saxton, Fort Jennings, U.S. Naval Academy 

Connor Bender, Avon Lake, U.S. Naval Academy 

Garrett Cook, Norwalk, U.S. Military Academy 

John Paul Gray, Findlay, U.S. Military Academy 

Charles Knight, Republic, U.S. Military Academy 

Christian Soltis, North Ridgeville, U.S. Air Force Academy 

Not able to attend: 

William Sikora, U.S. Military Academy 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

May 05, 2025 | Press Releases

1st Place Winner, Tammy Ha, holds her piece, “Woven Reflections”.
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) this week announced Tammy Ha, a 12th grade student at Port Charlotte High School, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s 17th Congressional District.
“Tammy’s piece, Woven Reflections, is a remarkable display of skill, thoughtfulness, and artistic vision,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “It will be an honor to have her work represent our district in the halls of the U.S. Capitol for the next year.”
Tammy’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol alongside other winning pieces from across the country, viewed by thousands of visitors, staff, and members of Congress.
The 2025 competition saw exceptional submissions from students across the district, including Sophie Davis, a fellow 12th grade student at Port Charlotte High School, who earned second place for her piece, “The Entrance.”The Congressional Art Competition, organized by the Congressional Institute, celebrates and encourages artistic talent among high school students nationwide. Since its inception in 1982, the competition has provided a platform for over 650,000 students to showcase their creativity and passion for the arts. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The first-place winner is given the opportunity to display their artwork at the United States Capitol for one year.
Rep. Greg Steube extends his gratitude to all the students who participated in this year’s competition and applauds their dedication to the arts. Their contributions enrich the cultural landscape of Florida’s 17th Congressional District and beyond.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi opposing the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) decision to terminate federal grants awarded through the agency’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and urging the Administration to restore funding for critical programs supporting law enforcement and violence prevention.

OJP is the largest grant-making arm of the DOJ. The grants funded by the office have been instrumental in supporting a wide range of law enforcement and community-based initiatives across the country, including local law enforcement, prosecution, judges, forensic science, reentry, hospitals, faith-based organizations, victim services and youth groups. 

In her letter to Attorney General Bondi, Ranking Member Meng wrote, “These programs are not “wasteful” spending, as you have claimed. They play a critical role in leading violence prevention and intervention efforts; serving at-risk youth and victims of crimes, coordinating responses to rising hate crimes; and assisting individuals struggling with substance use disorders. These programs save lives.”

The grants terminated by the DOJ support at-risk youth, victims of crime, lead violence prevention efforts, coordinate responses to increases in hate crimes, and help people struggling with substance abuse. This includes the Community-Based Approaches to Prevent and Address Hate Crimes grant program, originally authored by Meng following the passage of her COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2021.

Meng continued, “You stated the priority of your department is “law and order in America.” But law and order cannot exist if victims of crime are unable to recover, or if law enforcement does not have the resources to more effectively fight crime and restore relationships with the community members they serve, or if non-violent offenders cannot find a pathway to reentry into society.”

Meng serves as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), which has jurisdiction over federal funding appropriated to the DOJ.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced today that they wrote a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins praising recent state-led efforts to expand Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to include certain hot food purchases. 

Currently, SNAP contains an outdated provision that limits purchases to food that needs to be prepared at home before it is consumed or specifically cold prepared foods. However, states can individually apply for waivers from the federal government to increase the types of foods included in SNAP for beneficiaries in their states. Secretary Rollins recently supported an effort in Arkansas to include hot rotisserie chicken in the state’s SNAP.

Meng and Bennet reintroduced their bipartisan, bicameral Hot Foods Act in March, which would remove this prohibition and allow all SNAP recipients, regardless of which state they live in, to use their benefits to buy hot foods like prepared rotisserie chickens, hot sandwiches, soups and more.

In their letter, the members wrote, “As you know, for more than 60 years, the law governing SNAP has prohibited beneficiaries from purchasing hot, ready-to-eat foods with their benefits. This outdated restriction means that while a parent can use SNAP to buy frozen chicken and spend over an hour preparing and cooking it, they cannot purchase a hot rotisserie chicken to serve their family immediately. This policy no longer reflects the realities of modern American life or the diverse needs of SNAP households.”

Of the more than 42 million SNAP participants, including 2.8 million New Yorkers, nearly 70 percent of them are children, elderly, or those with disabilities. The ability to purchase hot and ready-to-eat foods would provide much-needed flexibility to those who rely on this program to supplement their nutrition and dietary needs.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

Originally introduced by Rep. Meng in May 2023, the Hot Foods Act has 80 cosponsors. It is supported by The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), First Focus Campaign for Children, Feeding America, Hunger Free America, and the National Association of Convenience Stores.

 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced the Safety Training for Officers on Public Health Threats Act (STOP Health Threats Act), bipartisan legislation to equip local law enforcement officers with the tools and training they need to recognize and respond to public health threats arising from building code violations, including illegal and unsafe facilities like the biological lab discovered in Reedley, California in 2023.Costa has been leading the charge to prevent future incidents like Reedley by pushing for better oversight and inter-agency coordination. “When dangerous, unregulated labs can operate undetected in small towns like Reedley, it’s not just a local issue—it’s a national public health risk,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “This isn’t just about one lab; it’s about making sure no town has to face a threat like this alone. The STOP Health Threats Act gives law enforcement the training they need to identify these risks and act swiftly. It’s about prevention, safety, and making sure every officer has the tools to protect their community.”“Keeping our communities safe means making sure local law enforcement has the tools required to quickly identify serious public health threats,” said Congressman Valadao, Co-Sponsor of the bill. “The STOP Health Threats Act takes important steps to help officers recognize dangerous situations—like the illegal Reedley lab—before they put their lives at risk. I’m proud to join Rep. Costa in introducing this bipartisan bill to strengthen public safety and protect our families.”“As a small rural City, we are often under-resourced, and yet we have to deal with some of the same threats and complexities in larger urban cities.  Criminals and those who wish to hide their activities will often choose smaller cities precisely because they believe their deeds will go unnoticed since there are fewer staff and resources to source out and investigate issues.  The STOP Health Threats Act will provide a training lifeline for rural cities, ensuring that Code Enforcement Officers and Inspectors have the knowledge and tools to protect Americans from biological and similar threats that might otherwise go undetected,” said Nicole Zieba, City Manager of Reedley.”Code enforcement officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities by ensuring buildings and facilities adhere to safety standards,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “The International Code Council commends Congressman Costa for introducing the STOP Health Threats Act, which would augment training for these public servants to ensure they are best equipped to identify and mitigate public health threats arising from building code violations.”BACKGROUNDIn 2023, Jessalyn Harper, a code enforcement officer, uncovered an illegal lab in Reedley, CA, storing hazardous biological materials in violation of numerous building and health codes. The lab contained infectious agents, such as COVID-19 and HIV, and was operating without oversight, posing a significant threat to public health.Nationwide, unsafe buildings, unregulated materials, and poor sanitation often go unchecked due to limited specialized training for law enforcement, especially in rural areas with limited resources. These unchecked violations can trigger disease outbreaks and long-term health risks.The STOP Health Threats Act empowers local governments by directing the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide grants for training code enforcement officers to recognize and respond to public health threats caused by building code violations. The bill promotes collaboration with public health departments and nonprofits, supports the development of tailored training programs, and prioritizes funding for communities like Reedley, where serious threats have been identified.
View the text of the bill HERE.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON—Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at strengthening water quality and storage infrastructure across the Western United States. “Water is the lifeblood of the West, and as climate change intensifies drought and weather extremes, we must invest in reliable, modern water infrastructure,” said Congressman Costa. “Our legislation will provide California and San Joaquin Valley water managers with the tools they need to expand water storage and ensure clean drinking water in our communities.”  “After meeting with several water conservancy districts across Utah over the past few months, one thing is clear: Utah’s rapid population growth is placing significant pressure on our community water resources,” said Senator Curtis. “This bipartisan legislation would make it easier for local governments and utilities to invest in critical water infrastructure projects—helping ensure we can meet the growing needs of our communities.”“Federal irrigation, clean water, and wastewater projects are essential to rural areas like Central Washington, but a lack of resources for maintenance and repairs puts our water infrastructure at risk. This legislation gives our local water managers the tools they need to sustain long-term projects and guarantee clean, safe water that our communities, farmers, and ranchers rely on,” said Congressman Newhouse.”As we face the ongoing challenges of water scarcity in the West, the introduction of the Every Drop Counts Act and the Groundwater Technical Assistance Act represents a useful step toward ensuring a sustainable future for our communities, ecosystems, and farms. These bipartisan efforts will not only enhance our capabilities for groundwater recharge but also empower local agencies to innovate and implement solutions that restore our vital aquifers. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a resilient water supply that supports agriculture, the environment, and the needs of our growing population,” said Rick Borges, President of the Friant Water Authority.“The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act provides much-needed reforms related to technical issues that substantially limit access to WIFIA loan funding for facilities under federal ownership, regardless of the method of loan repayment,” said Cannon Michael, Board Chair of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “We thank Rep. Costa for his leadership on this issue. Given the significant infrastructure improvements needed to improve the reliability of water supplies for the Water Authority’s members, it’s critical that every funding tool be available to improve affordability for the farming families, disadvantaged communities, and wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts who are reliant on the Water Authority’s members for their water supplies.”BACKGROUNDCalifornia’s San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, depends heavily on complex water delivery systems to sustain its economy and rural communities. However, the region is grappling with drought, groundwater depletion, and strict water quality standards. The Restoring WIFIA Eligibility Act would update the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), originally enacted in 2014. This legislation accelerates investment in the nation’s aging water systems by offering long-term, low-cost loans for major water projects. This bill would clarify that federally owned water infrastructure, when operated by non-federal entities such as California’s Friant Water Authority and the San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority is eligible for WIFIA financing.Access to WIFIA financing will enable San Joaquin Valley water agencies to invest in infrastructure upgrades, including groundwater recharge, surface storage, and conveyance improvements.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute to the lives and service of two Central Valley heroes – Marine Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino and U.S. Army veteran Guadalupe Castillo.
In a heartfelt address, Costa honored Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud son of Fresno sadly passed away while serving his country. At just 28 years old, Gamino served as a combat engineer with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His bravery and dedication are a testament to the values of service and sacrifice that define the San Joaquin Valley.

REMARKS as delivered:

Mr. Speaker… I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corporal Marcelino M. Gamino, a proud Marine of Fresno, California, who gave his life in service to our nation. He answered the call to serve in May 2022, quickly rising to the rank of Lance Corporal by August 2024. 
At just 28 years old, Marcelino served with distinction as a combat engineer in the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. His commitment took him across the world, deploying to Darwin, Australia, as part of the Marine Rotational Force. 
His service was marked by distinction, earning him the National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. We mourn his tragic loss, and our hearts are with his family and fellow Marines. His courage and service will never be forgotten. Semper Fi!

Costa also recognized Guadalupe Castillo, who answered the call to serve his country at just 18 years old. A U.S. Army World War II veteran, he fought in some of the most pivotal battles in history, including the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France. At 100 years old, Mr. Castillo left behind a remarkable legacy of courage, service, and devotion to his community and country. Castilllo sadly passed away on Easter Sunday. 

REMARKS as delivered:

Mr. Speaker… I rise to honor the incredible life of Guadalupe Castillo, a true American hero of Fresno, California.   
At just 18, he entered the U.S. Army and faced some of history’s fiercest battles: the Battle of the Bulge, D-Day at Omaha Beach, and the Liberation of France from tyranny. His courage and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. But his service didn’t end on the battlefield. 
After his service, he devoted 20 years to helping fellow veterans through the VA, inspiring his son Manuel to follow in his footsteps. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Castillo shortly before he passed away on Easter Sunday.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

May 02, 2025

Lawmakers urge DHS to “focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Norma Torres (D-Calif.-35), U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), condemned the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) indiscriminate immigration enforcement raids in Pomona, California as part of President Trump’s cruel mass deportation agenda that are terrorizing California communities and harming the economy. The lawmakers demanded answers on recent egregious DHS enforcement actions — without notice or coordination — including the arrest of at least 10 day laborers outside of a Home Depot, the detainment of a small business owner at gunpoint outside of his barbershop, and an enforcement raid at a Pomona auto body shop conducted with the Riverside County Sherriff’s department.

Padilla, Schiff, and Torres underscored the deep distrust and economic chaos these enforcement raids foster, hurting entire communities and national supply chains and keeping consumers at home out of fear.

“We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement,” wrote the lawmakers.

“Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona,” continued the lawmakers. “Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work.”

The lawmakers highlighted that California’s economy — now the fourth largest in the world — relies on the contributions of immigrant labor, as immigrants and their children make up the majority (55 percent) of California’s workforce, with immigrants alone comprising 34 percent of the state’s population. Last year, undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income, $66 billion in spending power, $50 billion to Social Security, and $14 billion to Medicare. They emphasized that immigrant workers make up a significant portion of California’s leading agriculture, health care, and construction sectors. Immigrant construction workers comprise over 40 percent of California’s construction workforce, and are already doing essential work to help Los Angeles County rebuild from the devastating wildfires earlier this year.

The lawmakers stressed that rather than indiscriminately targeting long-term residents with no criminal records, DHS should work with Congress to help provide these immigrants with a pathway to citizenship. Senator Padilla previously introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers, including Dreamers, as his first bill in Congress.

“While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades,” added the lawmakers.“These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.”

The lawmakers concluded their letter by demanding information on the raids, including why local officials were not notified and what steps DHS is taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities.

“We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation,” concluded the lawmakers.

Senator Padilla blasted the Pomona immigration raids last week, emphasizing that indiscriminate immigrant enforcement hurts our communities and economy.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Noem,

We write with deep concern regarding recent immigration enforcement actions conducted in Pomona, California, that have caused widespread fear, disrupted local businesses, and harmed community trust in law enforcement.

According to press reports, the City of Pomona in our home state of California has been at the epicenter of recent immigration enforcement activity, much of which has been conducted without giving notice to local officials:

• On Tuesday, April 22, Martin Majin-Leon, a long-time resident and small business owner, was detained at gunpoint in front of his barbershop, terrorizing his family and community. He was released after 30 hours, but the trauma persists. Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval expressed frustration, commenting to federal officials that they were “terrorizing our community.” Reports suggest DMV records may have played a role in his targeting, raising concerns about data-sharing between state agencies and federal immigration authorities.

• Meanwhile, that same day, federal immigration enforcement agents detained as many as 20 day laborers outside a Home Depot in Pomona, where witnesses saw agents arrive in marked and unmarked vehicles around 8 a.m. The Pomona Police Department had no prior knowledge of the operation, and conflicting reports have persisted regarding whether U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or other federal law enforcement entities were responsible for the detentions.

• Later that week, on Friday, April 25, another major enforcement action occurred at Moon Auto Collision in Pomona, executed jointly by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies and Homeland Security Special Response Teams under the auspices of a narcotics warrant. Pomona city officials, including Mayor Tim Sandoval, were given no prior notice. Mayor Sandoval, upon visiting the scene, underscored the devastating impact these operations have had on community trust and the economic health of local businesses.

Enforcement actions that indiscriminately disrupt immigrant communities – particularly without transparency or local coordination – threaten not only individual rights but also the economic stability and public safety of entire cities like Pomona. Pomona’s small businesses are already feeling the impact. Customers are afraid to shop. Workers are afraid to show up for work. One local business owner told reporters, “Customers are scared. They are not coming to buy anything. They are not coming to get repairs done.”

While no one disagrees with targeting violent criminals for deportation, the enforcement actions in Pomona demonstrate that the Department is indiscriminately targeting all noncitizens for removal — including those who have no criminal records and who have been living in and contributing to our communities for decades. These actions do not make us safer and are contrary to the ideals that we all stand for. We urge you to instead focus enforcement against those who pose a legitimate risk to public safety and to work with Congress on a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who are essential to our economic success.

California’s economy – now the fourth largest in the world – demonstrates the strength and contributions of immigrant labor. Immigrants and their children comprise 55 percent of California’s workforce. Immigrants alone account for 34 percent of the state’s population and paid $168 billion in taxes last year, while generating over $400 billion in spending power. Undocumented immigrants contributed $87 billion in household income and $66 billion in spending power, alongside $50 billion to Social Security and $14 billion to Medicare.

Additionally, in the wake of the destructive wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County earlier this year, immigrant construction workers—who make up more than 40 percent of the workforce in California—are essential to the community’s ability to rebuild and recover. Put simply, in critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, and health care, immigrant workers are indispensable to our community.

Accordingly, we respectfully request answers to the following:

1. Why weren’t local officials in Pomona notified about recent enforcement actions?

2. Which federal law enforcement entities were involved in or aware of these enforcement actions?

3. Has DHS responded to local law enforcement’s request for answers?

4. What protocols exist to coordinate with local law enforcement and elected officials before conducting large-scale enforcement actions?

5. How does DHS plan to comply with the April 29, 2025 court order from the Eastern District of California barring Border Patrol agents from detaining or arresting individuals without reasonable suspicion of illegal presence, as required by the Fourth Amendment?

6. Was California Department of Motor Vehicles data accessed in the case of Martin Majin-Leon?

7. What safeguards exist to prevent improper use of state data for immigration enforcement purposes?

8. What steps is DHS taking to rebuild trust with immigrant communities that have been traumatized by these events?

We urge your Department to review these operations carefully and to recommit to an immigration enforcement strategy that prioritizes public safety, upholds civil rights, and reflects the economic realities and moral values of our nation.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

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