Reps. Chu, Tokuda, Strickland, Matsui, and Sen. Hirono Introduce AANHPI Mental Health Day Resolution

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Chair Emerita of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI), introduced a resolution recognizing May 10th as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Mental Health Day. 

Between 2018 and 2024, AANHPI youth ages 15 to 24 in the United States were the only racial or ethnic group in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide. This devastating crisis is made worse by longstanding barriers to mental health care, including the high cost of health care, low mental health literacy, language access challenges, and cultural stigma that too often discourages individuals from seeking help. 

The National AANHPI Mental Health Day resolution recognizes the critical importance of mental health to the well-being of AANHPI families and communities and raises awareness to break down the stigma that too often prevents individuals from seeking care. The also encourages health agencies to adopt policies that improve access to and utilization of mental health services for the AANHPI community, as well as other marginalized communities.

“For far too long, our AANHPI community has suffered in silence while facing some of the lowest rates of mental health service utilization of any racial or ethnic group in the country. Language barriers, cultural stigma, a lack of culturally competent care, and insufficient disaggregated data have all contributed to this crisis and left far too many people without the support they need,” said Rep. Chu. “As the only psychologist in Congress, I am proud to once again lead this resolution recognizing May 10th as National AANHPI Mental Health Day to reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers to care for AANHPI communities. As the Trump Administration continues to slash staff and funding at the Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we must recommit ourselves to expanding access to mental health care and supporting the well-being of our communities.”

“In the face of growing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, it is more important than ever that AANHPI communities are seen and their struggles are not ignored,” said Rep. Tokuda. “AANHPI Mental Health Day is about breaking the deep-rooted stigma around mental health in our communities and continuing our work to expand awareness and access to culturally competent care.”

“Mental health issues are a hidden crisis facing the Asian American community,” said Rep. Strickland. “Cultural and language barriers obstruct the already limited resources available for mental health, and raising awareness is the first step towards addressing this crisis.”

“Nearly every family has been touched by mental health challenges in some way. That is why we must keep breaking down barriers to care, confronting stigma and making sure every person can get the support they need,” said Rep. Matsui. “For too many Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, quality mental healthcare remains out of reach. This resolution raises awareness of those barriers, while calling for the resources and infrastructure our communities need to heal and thrive.”

“With suicide rates among Native Hawaiians in Hawaii being close to double the national average and mental health treatment utilization among Asian Americans remaining alarmingly low, it’s clear our AANHPI communities need more mental health support,” said Sen. Hirono. “Everyone deserves access to mental health care that is culturally informed and linguistically appropriate, and I’m proud to lead this resolution that calls on us all to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness about resources available for AANHPI communities.” 

Last year, Rep. Chu and Senator Hirono reintroduced the Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025which instructs SAMHSA to establish a national outreach and education mental health and substance misuse strategy for the AANHPI community and study and collect disaggregated data on AANHPI representation in the behavioral health workforce and behavioral health utilization rates among AANHPI youth.

The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Meng, Mullin, Takano, Thanedar, Watson Coleman, Nadler, Tonko, Tran, Barragán, Simon, Krishnamoorthi, Peters, Salinas, Min, Menendez, Jayapal, Pocan, Case, Norton, Goldman, Subramanyam, Scott, and Lieu.

“National AANHPI Mental Health Day this year sits with us particularly heavily, as we feel our communities’ dual celebratory joy during AANHPI Heritage Month alongside the mental health burden of a deeply unaffordable economic reality, lack of widespread access to culturally-responsive mental health supports, and ongoing attacks on our immigrant and Indigenous communities. Despite these challenges, the resilience and solidarity of our communities across the country remain, and there exists an enormous wealth of community knowledge, mobilization, and sustained activism to protect and foster our collective wellbeing,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Community Engagement & Communications Director of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA).

“The National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day Resolution is a welcome step to address the insufficient access to mental healthcare providers and in-language services that AANHPI communities have faced for far too long. Now, with growing cuts to health care affordability and increased immigration enforcement reaching into previously protected spaces like schools and hospitals, fear and instability pose even steeper challenges,” said Juliet K. Choi, President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF). “The need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services has never been more urgent. Meaningful investment in a diverse mental health workforce and language access services are essential to ensure our communities are not left behind.”

“The establishment of a National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day is an important step in recognizing the unique mental health needs and experiences within AANHPI communities,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “By elevating awareness and fostering culturally informed conversations, this designation can help reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek the care and support they deserve. NAMI is proud to support this effort and thanks Rep. Chu, Rep. Matsui, Rep. Tokuda, and Rep. Strickland for their commitment to advancing mental health equity.”

The resolution is endorsed by National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association (NAAPIMHA); Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; South Asian Public Health Association; Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Cuaresma Counseling; Sakura Foundation; Wellness with Andrea Jakucs & Associates; Japanese American Citizens League; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); API Tennessee; United Chinese Americans UCA WAVES- Youth Mental Health Collaborative; Taulama for Tongans; Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC); Stop AAPI Hate; AAPI Equity Alliance; SPEAK, a Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans and Kin; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; TPB Strategies LLC; Asian Girls Ignite; Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI), CUNY; Sweet Mango Therapy Group, Inc.; Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF); National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA); Hepatitis B Foundation; Prevention Institute; Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership (APPEAL); Chinese American Citizens Alliance; AAPI Data; National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA); Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education; National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA); Thriving Asians; American Muslim Health Professionals; and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, AAJC.

The full text of the resolution is available here. 

If you or a loved one need mental health support, dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. Counselors can also be reached by text message or online chat. You may also dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Congressman Al Green Introduces Resolution Commending Pakistan’s Role in Facilitating Peace Between the United States and Israel with Iran

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

(Washington, DC)—On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Congressman Al Green introduced the “Original Resolution Commending the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its efforts to facilitate peace between the United States and Israel with Iran.” The resolution recognizes Pakistan’s role as a neutral and reliable mediator amid a devastating conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life, mass displacement, and substantial financial costs to the global community. A copy of the resolution is accessible by clicking here.

Congressman Al Green stated, “Amid a war marked by loss of life and immense suffering, we must recognize those working to bring peace. Pakistan’s role as a neutral partner reminds us that diplomacy is still our strongest path forward. By commending these efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to choosing dialogue over destruction and pursuing a peace that values innocent lives touched by this conflict.”

Rep. Neguse to Host Weld County Town Hall

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — On Thursday, May 7, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse will host an in-person town hall meeting in Weld County. Neguse will be joined by local leaders, provide an update on his work for the people of Colorado’s 2nd District, and take live questions from audience members.

This will be his 23rd public town hall of the 119th Congress—more than all members of Colorado’s House delegation combined.

What:      Weld County Town Hall
When:     Thursday, May 7 @ 4:30 PM
Where:    645 Holbrook Street, Erie, CO 80516

RSVP for this community gathering HERE.

Congressman Neguse has represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2019. Covering more than 12,000 square miles, the district is one of Colorado’s largest and most rural, spanning twelve counties: Boulder, Weld, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jefferson, Larimer, Summit, Jackson, Routt, and Broomfield.

Last year, Neguse visited 50 cities and towns across the district. He also hosted 17 in-person town halls—more than every other member of Colorado’s U.S. House delegation combined. The Congressman kicked off 2026 on the same note, convening two town halls during the first week of the new year. Thursday’s event will be his 6th in-person town hall event of the year.

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Cole, Lucas, Bice Join FAA Administrator Bedford in Tour of Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Representative Tom Cole (OK-04), along with Representatives Frank Lucas (OK-03) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05), joined Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Bryan Bedford in touring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center’s Air Traffic Control Training Academy. The tour, which included visits to the Tower Simulator System Lab and the En Route Automation Modernization Lab, provided an overview of controller training programs and technologies used to prepare the aviation workforce.

Throughout their time in Congress, Representatives Cole, Lucas, and Bice have been able to secure federal dollars for the Center. This year, through Fiscal Year 2026 funding, the Representatives fought for and secured $152 million dollars to ensure the facilities at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center remain the gold standard for all operations occurring at the Center, as well as for air traffic controller recruitment, training, and equipment to ensure the next generation of air traffic controllers have the tools they need to learn how to safely conduct air traffic within the national airspace system.

After the tour, the Representatives and Administrator Bedford released the following statements:

“Thanks to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Oklahoma has long been a hub for aerospace and aviation industry development. The Center is not only a key administrative, research, and safety hub for the FAA, but it is also home to the FAA Academy, which is the only training center in the country for FAA-certified air traffic controllers. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that America’s national aviation industry cannot exist without the workforce the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center produces – and that was made very clear through the advanced technology and new curriculum we saw on the tour today,” said Congressman Cole. “I would like to thank FAA Administrator Bedford for taking the time to come out to Oklahoma, as it is critical for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to continue to thrive.”

“I’m grateful to the Oklahoma congressional delegation, including Chairman Tom Cole, Representative Frank Lucas, Vice Chair Stephanie Bice as well as Senators Lankford and Armstrong for their strong leadership here in Oklahoma. This center is one of the crown jewels of research and development, and sustainment for the national airspace system,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “It all happens here. Training new air traffic controllers, technicians, and first and second level engineers. We had the most successful recruiting day in the history of the FAA for our air traffic controllers, we’ve shortened the hiring process and we are getting trainees into the Academy faster than ever.”

“It was a great day in Oklahoma City with Administrator Bedford as we toured the impressive Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center,” said Congressman Lucas. “The innovative technology that we saw today has, and will continue to, completely change the training curriculum for future aviation experts. This will bring our nation’s opportunities in aviation to new heights, and it will also enable our workforce to be equipped with more skills and services that will only further advance their careers. I’m optimistic about the future of aviation, and I’m proud that this innovation is occurring here in Oklahoma’s third congressional district.”

“It was great to be alongside Administrator Bedford at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. On his visit, the first by an FAA Administrator in a decade, we witnessed the incredible work happening daily in Oklahoma City. I was proud to see new innovate technologies, funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill, which are helping to prepare future air traffic controllers and the next generation of professionals. Their mission is critical and the Oklahoma delegation is laser focused on providing the support they need,” said Congresswoman Bice.

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Griffith Statement on 75th National Day of Prayer

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

Griffith Statement on 75th National Day of Prayer

Today, the United States of America observes the National Day of Prayer. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the annual observance. For this occasion, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“For 75 years, Congress has asked the American people to band together on the National Day of Prayer. This is a unique tradition that catches the attention of Americans, inspires reflective action and delivers respect to our great country.

“As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, I invite all in Virginia’s Ninth District, no matter your beliefs or faith, to join me in prayer for the United States of America.”

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Larsen Defends Reproductive Health Care

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined more than 250 House and Senate Democrats in filing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn a Fifth Circuit decision that would restrict access to mifepristone by reinstating a requirement that the drug be dispensed in person. Last week, the Fifth Circuit blocked access to mifepristone nationwide at retail pharmacies and in the mail, prompting the Supreme Court to temporarily restore access to the medication while the case proceeds on its emergency docket.

The lawmakers argued that mifepristone already undergoes a rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process, and the medication has repeatedly been found to be safe and effective. The Fifth Circuit’s decision not only limits who is able to receive this vital and life-saving medication, putting lives at risk, but also undermines the evidence-based decision-making process at the FDA.

“For more than a quarter century, FDA has repeatedly and consistently affirmed that mifepristone is safe. Over seven million patients in the U.S. have safely used mifepristone. And as with other drugs, FDA continues to monitor the post-marketing safety data on mifepristone—data confirming that mifepristone is safe without regard to how it is dispensed,” the members wrote.

The lawmakers also argued that the Fifth Circuit ruling last week was clearly not based on the merits of the distribution method of mifepristone, or the scientific backing of the medication, but rather a desire to limit the ability of individuals to receive abortion medication. The emergency stay is necessary to ensure that Louisiana is not able to deny medically appropriate care to patients nationwide.

“Decades after FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone and years after the in-person dispensing requirement was eliminated, the Fifth Circuit on an ‘emergency’ basis ordered FDA to re-impose this onerous nationwide restriction on all Americans. Allowing that decision to remain in place undermines the science-based statutory framework Congress commands and threatens patient access to reproductive health care,” the members continued. “As has been well publicized, many U.S. residents in states where abortion is legal live far from any reproductive health care provider. Reinstating an in-person dispensing requirement for mifepristone exacerbates an already significant reproductive health crisis by limiting access to the most common method of early abortion.”

First approved in 2000 after extensive clinical trials and peer-reviewed research, mifepristone has been shown to be safe and effective for over 25 years. The medication is used in roughly 60 percent of abortions nationwide, and about 1 in 4 abortion patients use telemedicine to receive abortion care.

In the House, the brief was signed by 212 Democratic U.S. Representatives. In the Senate, the amicus brief was signed by all 47 Democratic U.S. Senators. The lawmakers’ amicus brief to the Supreme Court can be read in full HERE.

Larsen Fights for the Right to Choose, Reproductive Health Care

Rep. Larsen is a champion of ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care nationwide. Larsen supports suspending the filibuster to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which re-establishes a nationwide right to abortion and enshrines the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. He also supports protecting a doctor’s ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to reach patients across the country, including in rural communities, and protecting a woman’s right to travel across state lines to receive abortion care.

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Read More (Steube Moderates House Intel Panel on Chinese Counterintelligence Threats to Florida)

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

May 07, 2026 | Press Releases

Rep. Greg Steube on Intel Roundtable Panel in Tampa, FL.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) today co-moderated a roundtable panel alongside House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford to examine the growing counterintelligence threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the state of Florida.The event brought together federal and state elected officials, local law enforcement, along with public- and private-sector partners for classified and unclassified discussions on identifying and countering CCP-related threats to our state. Elected officials in attendance included U.S. Representatives Kat Cammack and Kathy Castor, as well as members of the Florida Legislature.“It was a pleasure to participate in today’s panel with House Intel Committee Chairman Rick Crawford in Tampa to discuss the growing counterintelligence threats the Chinese Communist Party poses to Florida,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “As we discussed today, the CCP is actively working to undermine American security and expand its influence inside our country. Florida’s critical infrastructure and strategic importance make it a high value target, placing our state on the front lines. We must proactively address these threats in a forceful and unified manner.”These discussions focused on how the CCP is working to exploit vulnerabilities in Florida, ranging from efforts to buy land near sensitive military installations to carrying out cyber intrusions and influence operations that threaten the security of our state and nation. Participants also addressed the need for stronger coordination between federal, state, and local partners to confront these growing Chinese counterintelligence threats.As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Steube remains committed to fighting for policies that protect America’s national security, defend Florida communities, and prevent foreign adversaries like China from exploiting the United States.

Krishnamoorthi Responds to Illinois State Police Investigation Into ICE Killing of Silverio Villegas González, Renews Calls for Accountability Over Trump Administration Abuses

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

Krishnamoorthi highlighted the killing during a hearing on violence, misconduct, and misinformation by Trump Administration officials during Operation Midway Blitz

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today issued the following statement in response to the Illinois State Police opening an independent investigation into the 2025 killing of Silverio Villegas González by an ICE agent in Franklin Park during President Trump’s Operation Midway Blitz. 

“Silverio Villegas González was killed by an ICE agent after dropping his children off at daycare on the way to work. At a congressional hearing in February, I exposed how the Trump Department of Homeland Security repeatedly used violence and pushed false narratives to justify it after the fact. Despite claims that Mr. Villegas González attacked federal agents, there was no evidence — part of a broader pattern of abuse, misinformation, and impunity during Operation Midway Blitz. For months, the Trump Administration has stonewalled efforts to get basic answers and accountability for a Chicago father of two killed by our government. The American people deserve the truth. No federal agent and no government agency is above the law.”

The Illinois State Police investigation marks the first major independent probe into federal agents’ actions during the Trump Administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, a controversial immigration enforcement operation that drew widespread criticism over reports of excessive force, misinformation, and aggressive tactics. Earlier this year, Krishnamoorthi highlighted the killing of Villegas González during a bicameral shadow hearing examining violence and misconduct by Trump DHS officials during the operation. During the hearing, Krishnamoorthi pointed to available footage, eyewitness testimony, and court findings that he said reflected a broader pattern of excessive force, misinformation, and a lack of accountability surrounding ICE, CBP, and DHS enforcement actions.

At the hearing, Krishnamoorthi rejected DHS claims that Villegas González had attacked federal agents, stating: “Despite Trump’s DHS claiming Mr. Villegas González had attacked federal agents, there was no evidence. This is part of a pattern.”

Press Advisory: Congressman Cohen to Hold Press Conference on Redistricting Thursday

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) will return from Nashville, where he has been working to defeat a partisan redistricting plan that would disenfranchise Memphis voters, to hold a press conference on Thursday morning in his downtown office. 

What: A press conference to discuss the General Assembly’s plan to disenfranchise the voters of a majority-Black 9th Congressional District Congressman Cohen has represented since 2007

When: Thursday, May 7th, at 10:30 a.m.

Where: The Odell Horton Federal Building 167 North Main Street, Suite 369, Memphis (38103)

Please RSVP to Congressman Cohen’s communications director at Bartholomew.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

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ICE Reveals Over 16,000 Removals in San Diego Region Since January 2025

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

May 06, 2026

In a Letter Response to Rep. Levin, ICE Discloses Removals by Country of Citizenship; No Information on Criminal Records

Carlsbad, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) released a letter sent by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the San Diego Congressional Delegation which reveals that removals in the San Diego Area of Removal (AOR) totaled 16,368 between January 20, 2025, and April 1, 2026. In the letter, ICE breaks down the removals by country of origin with the highest share of removals being from Mexico (10,847), Guatemala (996), and Venezuela (544).

The letter also reveals how ICE officers identify themselves, what attire they wear, and when they identify themselves as immigration officers. Despite Rep. Levin’s request for information about the criminal records of the removed individuals or whether judicial warrants were issued during operations, the letter does not include such data.

Read the full ICE letter response here.

“I suspect these high numbers are part of Stephen Miller’s demands to meet high detention quotas. What this letter does not answer is how many detainees and removals had a criminal record. That is a question that deserves an answer,” said Rep. Levin. “I expect ICE to keep even more data than this, and they need to be able to provide information on where they are detaining individuals and why. This type of oversight—requiring ICE to do public reporting—is something I will continue to advocate for. This letter paints only half the picture, not a full one.”

The letter responds to Rep. Levin’s July 2025 letter to ICE, which expressed concerns about ICE’s tactics during operations in Oceanside and requested information about the warrants involved and the detainees’ criminal records.

Read Rep. Levin’s July 2025 letter here.

“The information I requested will help the public understand the scale of the removal operations being undertaken by the Trump Administration,” continued Rep. Levin. “The public should use these numbers to hold the government accountable and to push for greater transparency about who is being targeted for removal. Without that context, raw deportation figures can easily be used to paint a misleading picture of what these operations actually look like on the ground.”

“I appreciate ICE’s response, and it is largely consistent with what we believed to be occurring in San Diego. However, the numbers in this letter are quite troubling,” said Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50). “When President Trump took office, he promised the American people that his immigration agenda would target the ‘worst of the worst,’ yet this letter raises serious questions: Are the 16,000 individuals who were removed from San Diego the ‘worst of the worst’? Do they have criminal records, or are these removals simply part of a broader effort to hit an arbitrary quota by this Administration? Our constituents deserve to know who is being removed from their communities and why.”

“It’s disappointing but not surprising that ICE won’t admit the truth – that they’re not targeting ‘the worst of the worst,’ and are instead attempting to eliminate all forms of legal immigration. ICE removed over 16,000 people from San Diego – our friends, neighbors, and hardworking people – who deserve due process, and not to be disappeared without a trace. San Diegans need real answers about what’s happening to people in our community, and this letter response from ICE is a joke. We will keep pressing for actual answers,” said Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51).

“Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s mass deportation agenda has ripped families apart and created fear and chaos in our communities. These numbers are evidence of that. But ICE is still withholding information,” said Rep. Juan. Vargas (CA-52). “This lack of accountability and clarity from ICE is unacceptable. We need answers, and we will continue to demand them.”

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