Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)
Washington, DC — Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) senta letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd M. Lyons demanding immediate production of records and explanations for the unacceptable conditions Representative Khanna observed at the California City Detention Facility during a recent visit:
Dear Secretary Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Lyons:
I write to formally document grave deficiencies observed during my oversight visit to the California City Detention Facility and to demand immediate production of records and explanations. The conditions I witnessed raise serious concerns about conditions of confinement, access to medical care, and the absence of meaningful federal oversight.
We were told the facility currently detains 1,428 individuals, including 215 women —all held solely for civil immigration matters. Despite this, detainees appeared to be treated uniformly as high-security prisoners regardless of security classification or gender and despite the fact that the vast majority have never had criminal convictions. We observed no active recreation and no structured pro-social activities. There is no GED programming, no substance abuse support, and no religious services unless outside volunteers make the trip to the desert. Recreation spaces sat entirely empty. Women housed in low-security units were continuously locked in their cells and appeared to be subjected to identical restrictions as individuals in high-security detention.
During the visit, my staff and I met with 47 detained individuals. Most spoke cautiously, apparently inhibited by the lack of privacy and fear of retaliation. Despite the fact that all visitors are subjected to invasive patdowns and escorts, detainees reported that everyone, even those classified as low-security, are required to meet lawyers and loved ones behind glass and treated as convicted prisoners. Several detained individuals expressed frustration that their mail is often sent and received with long delays (up to several weeks). These all harm individuals’ ability to correspond with lawyers and outside support – not to mention loved ones – which reduces their time and ability to prepare for court hearings and sometimes leads to missed court hearings.
The physical conditions of the facility were unacceptable. The temperature was so cold that my staff struggled to take notes, yet neither our ICE escort nor facility staff could identify any policy for providing adequate cold-weather clothing. We did not see a single detained person with a jacket, sweater, or other appropriate clothing. Detainees reported infrequent access to showers and clean clothing, and staff were unable to produce a laundry schedule. The resulting lack of hygiene was obvious, not least by smell. Despite repeated requests, our ICE escort and facility staff were unable to provide any documentation of food safety inspections, calling into question compliance with basic health standards. One individual who has been held in the facility for months told us the conditions have continued to be so unbearable (some described it as “torture”) that he agreed to deportation simply to escape them.
Most alarming were the failures in medical care and grievance processing. We observed locked “sick call” and grievance boxes but were denied access to confirm whether requests were being addressed. Multiple detainees – including one we personally observed with a serious, visible injury – reported requesting medical care and never receiving it. Both a senior ICE official and facility staff admitted that urgent medical requests and grievances may sit unattended for weeks and are not reviewed on weekends or holidays. Detainees described even longer delays and reported being placed in solitary confinement when they complained of medical needs—an extraordinarily troubling and punitive practice. Facility staff also confirmed that legally required disability services coordinators are not onsite.
Equally disturbing, the California City Detention Facility has operated since August 2025 without a single Office of Detention Oversight inspection, National Detention Standards or Performance Based National Detention Standards audit or inspection, or verified compliance review under the Prison Rape Elimination Act or applicable disability laws. Oversight is not delayed; it is nonexistent.
Accordingly, I request the following records, covering the period from August 1st, 2025, to present, to be produced no later than February 12:
The governing contract between ICE and CoreCivic for the operations of California City Detention Facility
Any contracts governing the provision of medical care, including specialty care in the facility, and logs documenting the time between each medical request and delivery of care;
Complete grievance logs and grievance review policies;
All use-of-force logs;
Records of imposition of solitary confinement, segregation or isolation, whether disciplinary, medical or administrative in nature;
Out-of-cell and recreation time logs;
All food safety and health inspection records;
All requests for disability accommodations and the responses for each;
Records of detainee participation in any educational or structured pro-social activities or programming;
Schedules of any available programming (vocational, educational, substance abuse, therapeutic, self-help, religious, or group otherwise) and records of detainee participation in those offerings.
Congress has a constitutional duty to ensure detention – particularly civil detention – is lawful, humane, and accountable. The Department of Homeland Security must not permit privately operated detention facilities to function without transparency, oversight, or basic regard for human dignity. I expect a complete and timely response.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA
Woodland, CA — This week, Congressman Mike Thompson (CA-04) was joined by over 1500 community members in Napa and Woodland to protest ICE’s rogue actions in Minneapolis and call for action. Thompson organized these events following the recent fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens — Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a VA nurse — by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. Thompson was one of the first members of Congress to sign onto articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem earlier this month, leads legislation to prohibit agents from wearing masks, and will be introducing legislation to mandate agents wear body cameras. Thompson also voted NO on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol operations.
“I am sickened by the killing of two U.S. citizens at the hands of immigration enforcement agents. ICE is out of control,” said Thompson. “It’s past time my Republican colleagues in Congress act to join us in impeaching Kristi Noem, cutting ICE funding, and mandating better safety measures like body cameras to prevent agents from acting unlawfully and putting people in danger.”
In Woodland, Thompson hosted a “Fire Noem” Day of Action on Wednesday, January 28 at Heritage Plaza. More than 400 community members gathered to amplify calls for accountability in immigration enforcement and to call on Congress to act to impeach Noem. Thompson was joined by Yolo County Supervisors Angel Barajas, Lucas Frerichs, Sheila Allen, and Mary Vixie Sandy; Woodland Mayor Pro Tempore Mayra Vega; and Jake Whitaker, Chair of the Yolo County Democratic Party and former Woodland School Board Member.
In Napa, Thompson led a “Stop ICE” Day of Action on Friday, January 30 at Veterans Memorial Park, where more than a thousand community members and local leaders gathered to express concern about aggressive federal immigration tactics. Participating leaders included State Senator Christopher Cabaldon, Napa City Councilmember Bernie Narvaez, Indivisible Napa’s Pat Reynes, Napa Valley Together’s Jenny Ocon, Rabbi Niles Goldstein of Congregation Beth Shalom, and 13 year-old Edna Velazquez from Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School in St. Helena.
Thompson’s actions this week follow his early support of Representative Robin Kelly’s (IL-02) articles of impeachment against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, which were introduced in the wake of the killing of Renee Good. Rep. Thompson was among the first Members of Congress to sign onto these articles of impeachment. He also voted against last week’s Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing concerns about unchecked immigration enforcement authorities, although the bill secured enough votes to pass the House.
Thompson has hosted several “Know Your Rights” events over the past year for business owners, employees, and community members to help people understand what they should do if ICE comes to their home or business.
Video and photos from Thompson’s remarks and community participation at both the Woodland and Napa demonstrations can be accessed here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)
Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on MS NOW’s PoliticsNation, where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue to fight back against the cruelty, crisis and corruption being visited against the American people by Donald Trump and his sycophantic co-conspirators.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Joining me now is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Thank you, Leader, for being with us. Let’s start with the partial government shutdown, largely over DHS funding, and the breaking news tonight that you’ve reportedly told Speaker Mike Johnson that House Democrats will not provide the votes to pass the government funding bill through the fast-track suspension of the rules process. This will force House leadership to go through regular order and potentially jeopardize passage of the package. What can you tell us, Leader Jeffries, that this will do and why you’ve made that decision?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, good evening, Rev. It’s great to be with you. We clearly have a DHS and ICE agency that is completely and totally out of control. Taxpayer dollars should be used to make life more affordable for everyday Americans, not kill them or brutalize law-abiding immigrant families, which is what we’re seeing in Minneapolis and all across the country. We’ve laid out a clear set of demands. We’re in alignment with the way in which Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats have articulated those demands. And we’re going to need to see dramatic change as it relates to how the Department of Homeland Security operates moving forward. In terms of the legislation that’s gonna be in front of the House on Monday, we need a full and complete debate. And what I’ve made clear to House Republicans is that they cannot simply move forward with legislation taking a my-way-or-the-highway approach in the absence of House Democrats convening, which we’re going to do tomorrow, and having a discussion about the appropriate way forward and making sure that, in this two-week period of time that is contemplated by the continuing resolution that would freeze ICE funding for 14 days, that there’s a robust ironclad path to bringing about the type of change that the American people are demanding.
REV. AL SHARPTON: So to get, so I’m clear on this, to really make sure I understand this, the Democrats in the House that you are the Leader of are saying that you want some definitive things done before you even get to a two-week deadline or two-week extension running out. You want to see something definitive, including the fact that many Democrats around the country, many people, want to see something about ICE, you want to see some melting of the ICE before you vote for the package.
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, what we’re saying is that we need a clear path forward. And we haven’t had that discussion with the White House or anyone within the administration. And the things that we’ve talked about needing to occur—and we understand that we’re gonna have to build this into law and that’s what’s contemplated, we believe at least over the next two weeks—are things like no masks, body cameras being mandatory. We need judicial warrants before ICE can storm homes or rip people out of their cars in the horrific ways that we’ve been seeing. We need to make sure that ICE agents who violate the law can actually be criminally investigated and prosecuted by state and local authorities when their laws have been violated. There is no such thing, we believe, as absolute immunity, and it was horrifying to hear the Vice President make that observation a few weeks ago. We need ICE and DHS agencies to conduct themselves like every other law enforcement agency in the country. And what we’re saying is that if we’re contemplating a two-week freeze in order to get us to a place where we can see dramatic change, we want to understand that there’s an ironclad path forward to get those things done.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Now earlier today, a federal judge denied an emergency request from Minnesota to end Operation Metro Surge in the state. This as we’ve learned that Ohio appears to be the next target for an ICE surge and the DOJ has launched a civil rights investigation into Alex Pretti’s killing, but no federal investigation has been announced in the killing of Renee Good. Now, thousands of people flooded Minneapolis’ chilly streets for a second straight Friday calling for ICE to leave Minnesota and other states. We have seen additional demonstrations today. But what’s your message to the people who want to see ICE out of their communities and who want to see these killings fully investigated with agents held accountable both by the state and the federal government?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, the American way is a full and complete investigation. Nobody is above the law. But what we’re seeing from this Trump Department of Justice, from the Trump administration, in fact, from high-level members of the Trump administration, including so-called Secretary Kristi Noem, are excuses and lies trying to cover up an investigation, slandering Renee Nicole Good as a domestic terrorist, slandering Alex Pretti as a domestic terrorist or as Stephen Miller called him—a would-be assassin—when the American people know that the exact opposite was the case. And we are seeing thousands of people in Minnesota and beyond peacefully and powerfully and patriotically protest. And that’s consistent with American values. What the Department of Justice is doing—they can only be trusted to investigate Donald Trump’s political enemies. They can’t be trusted to conduct a fair, an impartial and an independent investigation, which is why one of the demands that we’ve been making in terms of what needs to happen moving forward with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice is to make it clear that state and local officials, like the Attorney General of the great state of Minnesota AG Keith Ellison or others, have the ability to investigate federal agents who break the law.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, one of your Democratic Caucus Members, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was sprayed with vinegar this week at a town hall by an assailant now facing federal assault charges. The assailant appears to be a supporter of President Trump and the attack follows Trump’s claims this week that the DOJ and Congress are investigating Omar, who he suggested, without evidence, to have staged the town hall incident. A new report from U.S. Capitol Police has found threats against Members of Congress have spiked in 2025 for a third year in a row. So how do you keep your Members safe when the President is sending these kinds of messages, even when his administration is claiming they want to de-escalate tensions?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Donald Trump needs to tone down his irresponsible rhetoric, which is fanning the flames of hatred against Members of Congress generally, and, of course, in this specific instance, against Representative Ilhan Omar, who’s a hard-working, conscientious, courageous public servant trying to do the best that she can under very difficult circumstances, to serve the people that she’s privileged to represent in Minnesota. We need to continue to lean in and do everything possible to protect the safety and the well-being of Members of Congress and their families so that during this very fraught time, and we’ve seen political violence increase over the last 10 years to levels that are unacceptable, that Members of Congress in the House and in the Senate can actually serve the people that they represent in this very challenging moment of trial, of tribulation and of turbulence.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Let me ask you something. You said yesterday that there was no basis for independent journalist Don Lemon’s arrest by federal agents in connection with a protest at a Minneapolis church this month. Then he was charged with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers, along with seven other people, almost all of whom were Black, including three people arrested yesterday—two local activists and a Minneapolis-based journalist who live-streamed her arrest by FBI agents. Seems like the President has been especially keen on going after Black protesters and journalists, Congressman. What are your thoughts on that?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, there’s no doubt that Black and brown communities have been under assault during this presidency. Working class communities of every color have been under assault during this presidency. The economy under assault, healthcare under assault, nutritional assistance under assault, we know farmers and veterans have been under assault, due process, the American way of life, the rule of law and democracy itself. There’s been an all-out assault on the American people and Black and brown communities have been bearing a significant share of that extremism that has been unleashed here in the United States of America. There was no basis, in law or in fact, to arrest Don Lemon or any of the other journalists. We know that Don Lemon is an accomplished journalist with decades of service consistent with the First Amendment in this country. Donald Trump is trying to intimidate people who stand up to him. But the American people have demonstrated over the last year, we will not be intimidated by these extremists. The American people are pushing back significantly across the board. They know that the Trump administration and the extremists in the Republican Party have failed the country. Their policies have been a disaster. It’s one of the reasons why in the off-year election in November, Republicans are losing up and down the ballot and all across the country, decisively. And it’s my expectation that that’s going to continue. That’s why Democrats are going to take back control of the House of Representatives in November.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Let’s come back to Capitol Hill for a moment, Congressman. More than three million new Jeffrey Epstein files were released by the DOJ yesterday, the largest release so far. And what the DOJ says is the last batch of the Epstein Files coming more than a month after the mid-December deadline mandated by Congress. Still, DOJ hasn’t released all related documents in its possession. What’s your reaction and what’s the next step for the House in terms of investigating this since we don’t have all of the documents?
LEADER JEFFRIES: The Department of Justice has failed to comply with the law, which requires a complete release of documents consistent with the sentiments of the courageous survivors of the Epstein affairs and the horrendous situations that they were put into by this monster, as well as the people who were associated with him. The American people deserve complete and total transparency, so there can be complete and total accountability. This is a law that was passed and, in fact, signed by President Donald Trump over his initial objections for months. So it’s clear that if you are withholding approximately three million documents, which is the case right now, we have to ask the question, what is the Trump administration continuing to hide from the American people?
REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, let’s stay on the Hill for a moment. The Supreme Court is set to decide on whether Trump can fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Fed Chair Ron Powell is watching that case closely as his term enters its last few months. Yesterday, Trump announced his pick for Powell’s replacement, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, whose name popped up in the Epstein files yesterday, though there’s not any evidence of wrongdoing on his behalf. Warsh’s father-in-law is a long-time Trump ally who’s pushed the President on taking over Greenland. What’s your reaction to all of this? After all the Fed is supposed to be—it’s supposed to be independent? So how do you react to all of this?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, Donald Trump’s policies have failed the American people in terms of the economy. They promised to lower the high cost of living on day one. Costs haven’t gone down under the Trump presidency. Costs have gone up. Housing costs out of control. Grocery costs out of control. Electricity bills out of control. Healthcare costs out of control. Child care costs out of control. Life has become more difficult economically under Donald Trump policies and under Republican policies. And so, under normal circumstances, his pick to be the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board should be closely scrutinized to make sure that it’s actually someone who’s going to help the American people out as opposed to just following direction from Donald Trump and bending the knee to his extreme ideas which have already proven to be a disaster. And good for Senator Thom Tillis who’s indicated because of this assault that has taken place on Lisa Cook, on Jerome Powell and on others that he doesn’t intend to allow any of Trump’s nominations, including the one related to being the next chair, to move forward. I completely and totally support that position and hope that every single Member of the United States Senate freezes any nominations related to Donald Trump’s efforts to alter the independence of the Federal Reserve Board.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Now, later in this hour, I’ll be talking with the chair of the Fulton County, Georgia Board of Election Commissioners, following the FBI raid this week on the County Board of Elections Office to seize 2020 ballots. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was on site for the raid, raising questions about why the U.S. spy chief was present for a domestic law enforcement action and concerns about how the President may use the federal law enforcement to potentially influence the midterm elections. The administration has said that the DNI plays a crucial role in election security. What do you make of that explanation, particularly with the midterms nine months away and having such significance for the future of this country?
LEADER JEFFRIES: The explanation offered by the Trump administration has zero credibility. There was absolutely no reason for the Director of National Intelligence to be present at what should be a law enforcement activity that is completely domestic in nature. And I think there’s reason for all of us to continue to be concerned that Donald Trump and Republicans have adopted voter suppression as an electoral strategy. They know they can’t win a free and fair election in November. They’re going to get crushed, wiped out all across America because of their failed policies, and the fact that Democrats are the only ones in this country right now, in terms of a political party, talking about driving down the high cost of living, dealing with the affordability crisis that Donald Trump doesn’t think exists and fixing our broken healthcare system. And so, we’re going to have to work with Governors and Attorneys General and Secretaries of State all across the country, as well as the legal community, civil rights groups, democracy protection groups like Democracy Forward and others who are doing a tremendous job to make sure that we are ensuring a free and fair election in November so that it’s the American people who get to decide who is in the majority in the House and in the Senate, not Donald Trump and his corrupt sycophants.
REV. AL SHARPTON: Now I know we’re out of time, but I must ask you this, tomorrow is February 1, the beginning of Black History Month. And under this administration, we’ve seen in many states and a tone set, in my opinion, by the administration to try and really minimize, if not wipe out, Black history and many aspects of American life, being able to learn about it in schools and other places. How do you view the importance of Black History Month 2026, given the assault in many areas on even teaching or talking about Black history?
LEADER JEFFRIES: Black history is now more important than ever. It’s the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and we’re thankful for what it represents, which is a celebration of the African American journey in this country, which cannot be separated from the American journey. It’s one and the same. And the movements that Donald Trump is attempting to wipe out, whether that relates to abolition or the movement that brought about Reconstruction or the movement that connected to the civil rights era, which was all about making sure that there was actually liberty and justice for all and equal protection under the law, the progress that has been made, led by African Americans at these moments, of course, has benefited African Americans in of being full and complete participants in the American dream to the best of the country’s ability. We’re not a perfect country. We’re marching toward a more perfect union. But these efforts at progress improve the situation for everyone. So Black history is American history and we’re not going to let Donald Trump and the extremists ever erase it.
REV. AL SHARPTON: All right, Democratic House Leader, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn, New York, I might say. Thank you for being with us.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Friday, January 30, 2026, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) hosted the second annual AUKUS defense industry event in Huntsville, Alabama, bringing together defense and national security leaders from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to discuss advanced defense capabilities, strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, and the role Alabama plays in the future of allied security cooperation.
The forum builds on the Congressman’s inaugural AUKUS gathering held in 2024 and continues a first-of-its-kind opportunity to connect experts and innovators responsible for one of the most ambitious defense cooperation initiatives of this generation.
“Huntsville is the Rocket City — the town that helped win the space race — and today, the men and women shaping the future of defense cooperation and deterrence are gathered right here in Alabama,” Congressman Aderholt said. “AUKUS is about maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, but at its core it reflects something even deeper: trust among allies. That trust must now be translated into real capabilities, delivered with urgency.”
Congressman Aderholt was joined by Congressman Dale Strong (AL-05), who also participated in today’s event and emphasized North Alabama’s strategic importance to allied defense innovation.
“There are few better places to bring the stated goals of AUKUS Pillar Two to life than North Alabama and Redstone Arsenal,” Strong said. “Our region has long been a key national security player, and this trilateral agreement is no different. This second annual forum is just another example of how Alabama continues to lead the way in increasing defense cooperation, innovation, and information sharing between the United States and our allies.”
Congressman Aderholt emphasized that the advanced capabilities central to AUKUS align directly with Alabama’s strengths and the work already being done across the state’s defense and technology sectors, including cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic development, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing, and deep space radar.
During remarks, the Congressman also underscored the need for the United States and its allies to modernize the way defense capabilities are developed and fielded, warning that outdated processes and bureaucracy risk slowing progress at a time when speed and innovation are essential.
“The tools that won the 20th century could cost us victory in the 21st if we fail to adapt,” Aderholt said. “Bureaucracy is a luxury we can no longer afford. AUKUS can help drive a new way of doing business — moving faster, thinking bigger, and delivering results with the urgency this moment demands.”
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, Congressman Aderholt highlighted Congress’s responsibility to ensure the Department of Defense has the flexibility needed to plan, fund, and field joint capabilities in a timely and innovative manner, while maintaining accountability.
The Congressman also introduced Alabama native Major General Terry Grisham, who has been named to lead the transition of the United States Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville. Major General Grisham will oversee the relocation of U.S. Space Command from its temporary headquarters in Colorado Springs to its permanent home in Alabama.
“Alabama has long been at the forefront of America’s defense and space leadership,” Aderholt said. “With Major General Grisham’s leadership, our state will continue to play a critical role in the next chapter of national security and space operations.”
The event reaffirmed Huntsville’s role as a national hub for defense innovation and underscored Alabama’s growing leadership in emerging technologies vital to U.S. and allied deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)
January 31, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement on Judge Biery’s order to release five-year-old Liam and his dad, Adrian:
“Judge Biery ordered ICE to release Liam. I’ve reached out to Liam’s mom and lawyers to let them know I will continue to do everything I can to make sure he is safe. Thank you to folks all across the country and around the world for speaking out in support of Liam and so many other children in detention.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)
WASHINGTON — Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $520,000 to support water system improvements in the Town of Garden City.
This funding was secured through the FY 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117–328) as part of Congress’s effort to strengthen local water infrastructure and ensure communities have access to safe, reliable water services.
“Clean, dependable water is essential for every community, and this investment will help Garden City make needed improvements to its water system,” said Congressman Aderholt. “I am proud to support funding that strengthens critical infrastructure in North Alabama and helps ensure residents have access to safe water now and into the future.”
The Garden City project is one of 715 congressionally directed water infrastructure projects funded nationwide through the EPA’s Community Grants program. In FY 2023, Congress provided $1.47 billion for these projects under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.
Congressman Aderholt emphasized that investments like this one are vital to maintaining strong communities and supporting long-term growth.
“This grant is good news for Garden City and the surrounding area,” Aderholt added. “It will help the town modernize its water system and better serve local families and businesses.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)
Camarillo, CA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) held a press conference outside of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Camarillo. Joined by faith leaders, community organizers, and fellow elected officials, Congresswoman Brownley condemned the brutality of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem’s immigration enforcement operations and demanded an immediate end to the Trump administration’s lawlessness and lack of accountability.
“We are united by a shared belief that every life has worth, and that we cannot stand by quietly or passively while brutality goes unchallenged,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “All people deserve to live in safety, free from fear and free from violence at the hands of their own government. That is why I have stood against funding for an agency that has operated without meaningful oversight or accountability and that has, far too often, inflicted harm and terror on communities across this country.”
“This moment demands action – not words alone,” continued Congresswoman Brownley. “We are demanding concrete reforms to rein in the Department of Homeland Security, restore accountability, and end these lawless practices. We are demanding that Kristi Noem be fired. We are demanding an end to warrantless arrests, stopping raids in places of care and refuge like churches and schools. And we are demanding that those responsible for violence and wrongdoing are held fully accountable, including at the highest levels of leadership.”
“We must be not only angry, but gentle with ourselves and each other,” said Rev. Dr. Betty Stapleford, Co-Chair of CLUE VC (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice Ventura County). “We can’t stay with anger forever, consumed by our rage. We must decide what we are going to do about it, and we must join with others to make a difference, to act for good. So, I ask you today to focus your anger, to join with others in this work, and to transform our outrage into strong words and action. Then, let us hope that justice will come to more and more of our people.”
“Our community is strong because of its diversity. We will continue standing up against this overreach of power to protect our rights, peace, and neighbors,” said California State Assemblymember Steve Bennett, 38th District.
“Our communities will not feel safe until ICE stops their terror — we should not be afraid to leave our homes,” said Ventura County Supervisor Vianey Lopez, Fifth District. “We should be able to lean on each other in this time of crisis, for the good of the constituencies we all represent. And we should not be afraid to speak up to the injustices we see everyday. We must do better, and I ask that leaders in this county recognize the climate we are in and the role they can play to support our communities.”
“I think I speak for all the clergy here today when I say that we are answering a moral call to seek justice for immigrant communities here in Ventura County,” said Pastor Erik Halseth, Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura. “Whether it is farmworkers being chased through fields, families afraid to send their children to schools, people being disappeared off of our streets or killed on them, it is time for change. The faith traditions of all of us gathered here today, teach us about the inherent dignity of every human being. When people are denied human dignity, it is time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves where we stand. When institutions create fear instead of safety, our communities pay a moral and social price. When laws are twisted into a cruel instrument, it is time to act.”
“Now is the time to extend grace, as we move forward to save the country we love and reaffirm humanity and dignity of all,” Dr. Martita Martinez-Bravo, Vice Mayor of the City of Camarillo and Executive Director of Friends of Fieldworkers.
“We cannot lose sight of why these tactics are being used against communities. It’s to keep us in silent complicity while immigrant families are being torn apart,” said Genevieve Flores-Haro, Associate Director of the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project. “We have to remember the people behind the statistics. The 32 deaths in ICE detention last year are not numbers. They are fathers, mothers, farmworkers, and beloved community members. Someone’s ser querido. People like Jaime Alanis Garcia, Keith Porter, Renee Good, and Alex Pretti — their deaths were preventable. This is unacceptable.”
Brownley was joined by a number of community leaders, including:
Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools
Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-Miller, Temple Beth Torah, Ventura
Father Tom Elewaut, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Mayor, City of Ventura
Luis McArthur, Mayor, City of Oxnard
Gabe Teran, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Oxnard
Michaela Perez, Councilmember, City of Oxnard
Gabriela Basua, Councilmember, City of Oxnard
Dr. Martha McQueen-Legohn, Mayor, City of Port Hueneme
Laura Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Port Hueneme
Carlos Juarez, Mayor, City of Santa Paula
Pedro Chavez, Councilmember, City of Santa Paula
Gabby Ornelas, Councilmember, City of Santa Paula
Albert Mendez, Mayor, City of Fillmore
Christina Villasenor, Councilmember, City of Fillmore
Tie Gutierrez, Councilmember, City of Thousand Oaks
Deborah Klein-Lopez, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Agoura Hills
Karen Sher, President, Oxnard Union High School District
Cynthia Salas, Trustee, Oxnard School District
Bev Dransfeldt, Chair, Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District
Ashley Orozco, Director, Conejo Recreation and Park District
Hannah Lee, Representative for Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
Lupe Lopez Garcia, Representative for Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón
Willie Lubka, Buen Vecino
Denae Lassan, 805 Immigrant Coalition
Joseph Dobzynski, 805 Immigrant Coalition
Photos from the press conference can be found here. A transcript of Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks at the press conference can be found here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) wrote to Governor Bill Lee on Friday evening asking him to seek Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for Shelby County for expenses incurred in response to the recent snowstorm. Congressman Cohen noted that the preliminary damage assessment of $4.7 million exceeds the minimum requirement for seeking the assistance.
The letter reads in part:
“I kindly request that you amend your January 28 request for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the provisions of Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121-5207 (Stafford Act), and implemented by 44 CFR 206.35, to include Shelby County in response to the severe snow and ice storm that hit our region starting on January 22, 2026. This winter storm included a mixture of sleet, snow, and freezing rain, which resulted in damages to buildings and equipment, utilities, and costs incurred for emergency protective measures.
“As of January 30, the preliminary damage assessment reports from the Shelby County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is $4.7 million including $2.5 million from MLGW, $1.7 million from the City of Memphis, $448,520 for Memphis Shelby County Schools, and $35,738 for the City of Millington. Since the amount of damages from this storm has exceeded the minimum requirement, I ask that you amend your request to include Shelby County.
“This request is prudent to ensure that our county can receive the necessary support to adequately address the damages that have been incurred. I appreciate your swift action and attention to this matter.”
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) announced today that she secured $16,089,000 in federal funding for 13 community projects in Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional district. The funding was included in bipartisan appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 6938; H.R. 7148) passed by the Senate today after House passage last week. After the chaos of last year, including the Trump government shutdown – the longest in U.S. history – this bipartisan legislation was stripped of partisan policies and will now become law when the president signs it.
“This $16 million in federal investment in East Metro communities will make our neighborhoods stronger, safer, and more secure,” said Congresswoman Betty McCollum. “Through investments in our libraries, fire departments, police departments, roads, bridges, and water treatment facilities, we are strengthening our communities as we face economic and environmental challenges together. I thank local officials for their partnership on these projects and advocacy for our communities.”
Congresswoman McCollum secured funding for five projects through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee:
$3,150,000 for the Hayden Heights Library Renovation (City of Saint Paul) This funding will be used to complete construction of the Hayden Heights Library Reconstruction project. The building’s conditions need to be improved to meet the needs of the community on the East Side of Saint Paul.
$2,000,000 for the East Metro Public Safety Training Center Expansion (City of Maplewood) This project would expand the East Metro Public Safety Training Center, used by 27 agencies who will use the facility to train first responders and enhance public safety in the East Metro.
$1,350,000 for the Weir Drive Reconstruction Phase II (City of Woodbury) This project will complete the reconstruction of a half-mile stretch of Weir Drive, a dead-end roadway serving an apartment complex, middle school, and several businesses. When it floods, it cuts off access for residents in and out of Weir Drive. This project will elevate two low points along Weir Drive that currently convey stormwater to maintain access for residents, students, businesses, and first responders.
$1,250,000 for the Burn Building Restoration (City of Saint Paul) The funding will be used to restore a condemned 52-year-old on-site burn building to operational use for training firefighters from the Saint Paul Fire Department and surrounding area departments. Replacing the current, obsolete fire training burn building will enable the fire department to provide real-life training to prepare responders for lifesaving rescue operations. The project is an investment in the life, health, and safety of approximately 307,000 Saint Paul residents who rely on the Saint Paul Fire Department’s expertise and readiness to respond in the event of a fire.
$250,000 for the County Highway 18 and Settlers Ridge Parkway Reconstruction (Washington County) This project will improve safety and operations at the intersection of County Highway 18 and Settlers Ridge Parkway in the City of Woodbury through the construction of a roundabout. This will improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle users, and will also improve stormwater management.
Congresswoman McCollum secured funding for two projects through the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee:
$1,092,000 for the Municipal Water Supply Project, Phase 2 (City of Gem Lake) This funding will be used for the construction phase of a new water supply system to provide safe drinking water to residents after the discovery of contamination of local private wells. The construction of water infrastructure will provide for the health and safety of local residents by supplying them with safe drinking water.
$1,092,000 for the PFAS Water Treatment Facility (City of Stillwater) This funding will be used for the construction of a new water treatment facility to provide safe drinking water to residents following the discovery of several per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at amounts exceeding maximum contaminant levels established by the U.S. EPA. This project supports the health and safety of residents by supplying them with safe drinking water.
Congresswoman McCollum secured funding for six projects through the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee:
$1,031,000 for the Recidivism Reduction through Workforce Participation (Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest) The funding will be used to provide pre-apprenticeship training for currently incarcerated individuals with the goal of reducing recidivism. It is a good use of taxpayer funds because it will reduce prison reentry and provide inmates with pathways to be productive citizens.
$750,000 for the Wet Bulb Globe Temp Sensor Network (Ramsey County) The funding will be used to establish a Wet Bulb Globe Temp Sensor network in Ramsey County. The data collected using these experimental forecasting tools will demonstrate both their effectiveness and provide the National Weather Service with more accurate heat data in urban areas.
$1,031,000 for the CCTV Improvement Project (City of Saint Paul) This funding will be used to replace antiquated CCTV equipment and maintain the City of Saint Paul’s Police Department’s ability to monitor activity in the downtown business district and the Ports along the Mississippi River.
$1,031,000 for the Replacing Records Management and Report Writing System (City of Saint Paul) This funding will be used to replace the police records management and report writing system for the City of Saint Paul. This will streamline the police department’s report writing and record keeping by consolidating the city’s record management system, improving efficiency within the police department.
$1,031,000 for Body-worn and Squad Car Cameras (Washington County) The funding will be used to acquire 170 body-worn cameras and 100 fleet cameras for the Washington County Sherriff’s Office (WCSO), improving the capabilities of the WCSO and supporting effectiveness and transparency in the office.
$1,031,000 for Records Management System (City of Woodbury) The funding will be used to acquire a specialized record management system for the city — increasing efficiency, improving case and evidence management, and enhancing officer safety and situational awareness.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08)
Tifton, Ga.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced that his office is taking submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
All high school students (9-12th grade) who reside in or attend school in the Eighth Congressional District are encouraged to participate.
The winning entry will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a year alongside artwork from every congressional district across the country. Artwork submitted must be original in concept, design, and execution, no larger than 26” x 26” x 4”, and can be in the form of paintings (oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.), drawings (pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers), collage (must be two dimensional), prints (lithographs, silkscreen, block prints), mixed media, computer-generated art, or photography.
All artwork must be framed and submitted by April 17th at one of the following drop-off locations:
Rep. Scott’s District Office in Warner Robins: 120 Byrd Way, Suite 100, Warner Robins, GA
Rep. Scott’s District Office in Tifton: 127-B Central Ave N, Tifton, GA
Artwork that is submitted on a canvas does not require framing; however, it must have hooks affixed for hanging.
This year, all the entries from across the district will be displayed at the Syd Blackmarr Art Center in Tifton, Georgia, for an exhibit and awards ceremony in early May.
To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, visit here.
For more information or questions, please contact Charles White at (229) 376-8061 or email charles.white@mail.house.gov.