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

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi today reaffirmed the validity of the video showing ICE agents violently detaining individuals in Hoffman Estates, confirmed that the incident occurred in his district, and condemned the Trump Administration’s campaign of secrecy, brutality, and misinformation surrounding its mass immigration raids. Krishnamoorthi said his office continues to gather information about the Hoffman Estates incident and renewed his call for transparency and oversight following the Administration’s latest attempt to obstruct congressional access at an Illinois ICE facility.

“My team and I continue to gather information about the exact details of what happened in Hoffman Estates on Friday — but there is no doubt that the video is real and that it happened here, in my district, on a street I have walked myself.

What that footage appears to show — a child being slammed to the ground by an ICE agent — is indefensible.

The Hoffman Estates Police Department has confirmed that ICE agents were present in the department’s parking lot that same day and issued a statement referencing videos circulating about the day’s events. Yet instead of providing transparency or clarifying the facts, a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security aggressively spread misinformation online, falsely claiming this was an unrelated arrest from over a year ago and miles away in Chicago. This continues a disturbing pattern of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security denying the public transparency or accountability while actively spreading politically motivated disinformation.

The events in Hoffman Estates embody everything that’s wrong with the Trump Administration’s militarized ICE raids: cruelty without accountability, secrecy without oversight, and power without restraint. That must end — and I will continue working in Congress to demand the transparency, oversight, and justice the American people deserve.”

Earlier today, Congressman Krishnamoorthi traveled to the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, to perform congressional oversight of reported detentions — including of minors — but was once again denied entry by the Trump Administration. The refusal follows a similar incident in June, when Krishnamoorthi and Congressman Jonathan Jackson were turned away from another ICE site in Chicago’s South Loop after attempting to inspect conditions and obtain information about detainees.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement on the release of the hostages held by Hamas:

“Today, my heart is with the hostages and families who are finally reunited after unimaginable pain, uncertainty, and suffering. The human cost of this war has been staggering, and the time for healing begins now.

“There is still a lot of work to be done. Let this moment mark the beginning of a future rooted in dignity, safety, and self-determination for all. We must remain committed to protecting all innocent lives and urgently pursuing a long-term path toward peace, justice, and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement on the announced peace agreement between Israel and Hamas:

“After two excruciating years, I welcome the news of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The human cost of this war has been staggering, and it is long past time for the conflict to end. 

“While I was relieved by the news of this agreement, there is still a lot of work to be done. This moment must mark not just the end of a catastrophic war, but the beginning of a future rooted in dignity, safety, and self-determination for all. We must do everything in our power to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians can begin the long process of healing and rebuilding, and it is my earnest hope that all parties uphold the agreement to end the war and work towards securing a long-term peace plan.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN)

Chattanooga, TN – U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Chairman of Energy and Water Appropriations, released the following statement after Democrats recklessly shut down the federal government as of 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

“I’ve long said that government shutdowns are stupid and always cause more harm than good. Nearly two weeks ago, my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee led the way for the House to pass a simple, clean, non-partisan, short-term Continuing Resolution (C.R.) that would fund our government until November 21. Sadly, instead of working with Republicans in the House and Senate to pass the identical C.R. that Democrats supported in March, Democrats have chosen to block our non-partisan funding bill and force a government shutdown on the American People,” said Rep. Fleischmann.

“Our fellow Americans have the bare expectation that Congress keeps the lights on and doors open. That’s why I have principledly voted to avoid government shutdowns under both Republican and Democrat presidents. It’s time for Democrats to end their pointless political posturing and stop blocking the clean C.R. that is sitting in the Senate, collecting dust on Chuck Schumer’s desk. Every day that the Democrat Shutdown continues is another day that Americans are thrown into uncertainty, troops are not paid, our border security is weakened, and the high cost to taxpayers to reopen the government grows.”

“Once Schumer inevitably caves and Senate Democrats stop blocking the clean C.R., my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee and in the House will be ready to resume our good-faith negotiations to reach a FY26 funding deal that meets the needs of the American People.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO-02)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement on the release of hostages from Gaza:

“It has been two long years since these hostages were ripped away from their families in the midst of the brutal Hamas terror attack. That’s two years of not knowing when, or if, they would ever see their loved ones again. I am so incredibly grateful to see these innocents going home today, and my heart goes out to the families of the hostages who were killed in captivity in the furtherance of Hamas’s depraved anti-Semitic ideology. 

“I’m hopeful today marks a turning point towards a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Middle East. Thank you to President Trump and his Administration for their strength and unparalleled diplomacy that made this miraculous day a reality.”

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement following the news of the release of the Israeli hostages:

“While history and experience has taught us to be cautious about positive developments in the Middle East, today is no doubt a historic and joyous day for both America and Israel. After watching Israeli families finally embrace their loved ones who had been held hostage for over two years, we have real reason for hope – and that hope is based on the incredible leadership and kept promises of President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Ambassador Huckabee, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and the entire administration. They negotiated the release of the hostages, laid out a path forward, and brought the leading powers of the region together at the negotiating table for the first time in decades. It is truly an achievement of historic magnitude and significance. It demonstrates the powerful notion of peace through strength, proving that when the United States has strong leadership, the world is safer,” said Congressman Cole.

“Today, we celebrate the hostages being reunited with their loved ones and this remarkable achievement. However, we will not forget those who did not survive Hamas’ evils on October 7th. The United States of America continues to stand with our great ally, Israel, and for the pursuit of peace in the region,” said Congressman Cole.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON DC [10/17/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led a letter with Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (OR-03) in demanding the Trump administration provide answers about the Department of Homeland Security helicopters that have continuously flown over Portland since Sept. 27.

The lawmakers noted that, on September 27 ^th and 28^th, the Port of Portland received more than 40 noise complaints about the helicopters, which is more than four times the number of complaints filed during the entire last fiscal year. The City of Portland has also received a substantially increased number of aircraft-related noise complaints.

“Our offices have received a significant number of calls from constituents who are angered and stressed by the persistent noise, by the frequent disruptions from the helicopters, and by what they perceive as misuse of government resources,” the lawmakers wrote. “Constituents report that the disruptions from the helicopters have rattled buildings, interrupted their workdays, and kept them awake at night. Portland residents are understandably confused and

frustrated by the ongoing presence of the helicopters.”

“Portland residents want and deserve to feel safe in their homes,” the lawmakers continued. “Sending helicopters to circle over residential areas for multiple hours each day disturbs the peace and quiet they deserve to enjoy in their neighborhoods.”

The full text of the letter to DHS can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Noem:

Beginning on or around September 27, 2025, Department of Homeland Security helicopters have flown over Portland, apparently daily and for hours at a time. The residents of the area, our constituents, have voiced their concern about the very loud and disruptive noise these helicopters cause. The Port of Portland received more than 40 noise complaints about the helicopters on September 27 and 28, which is more than four times the number of complaints filed during the entire last fiscal year.^[1] Similarly, the City of Portland has received a substantially increased number of aircraft-related noise complaints. 

Our offices have received a significant number of calls from constituents who are angered and stressed by the persistent noise, by the frequent disruptions from the helicopters, and by what they perceive as misuse of government resources. Constituents report that the disruptions from the helicopters have rattled buildings, interrupted their workdays, and kept them awake at night. Portland residents are understandably confused and frustrated by the ongoing presence of the helicopters.

Portland residents want and deserve to feel safe in their homes. Sending helicopters to circle over residential areas for multiple hours each day disturbs the peace and quiet they deserve to enjoy in their neighborhoods. On behalf of Oregonians who want to end the disruptions caused by the helicopters, we request answers to the following questions:

1. Why is the Department of Homeland Security directing helicopters to fly over Portland?
   1. Please provide a detailed description of what goal DHS is trying to achieve with the helicopters.
   2. Are helicopters essential to achieve these goals? If the answer is in the affirmative, please explain why DHS deems the use of helicopters to be necessary.
2. Will DHS take steps to minimize the noise from helicopters and mitigate disruptions for residents in the area, especially at night when residents are sleeping?
   1. If noise and disruptions cannot be mitigated, will DHS discontinue flying helicopters over Portland?
3. When does DHS plan to stop flying helicopters over Portland?
   1. What steps can be taken to immediately end the helicopter patrols over Portland?
4. Are these helicopters owned and operated by the Department of Homeland Security? If not, which federal agencies or other agency owns the helicopters?
5. What is the cost of flying the helicopters per hour?
6. Were the same helicopter assets flying over Portland in the last 30 days previously deployed in the last six months as part of any criminal law enforcement or border security mission?
7. Prior to being assigned to patrol over Portland, what mission or missions were these helicopters normally assigned to?
8. Has DHS denied any requests from federal, state, or local agencies for the use of the helicopters? If so, please provide a list, including the name of the requester, the purpose of the request, and when the request occurred, and what was the reason for denying the request. 

The helicopters are contributing to the escalation of disturbances around the Macadam ICE facility. Oregonians are asking for it to end. Thank you for your attention to this matter. We respectfully request that you respond to these inquiries no later than October 20, 2025. We look forward to hearing from you.   

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

Oregon Democratic lawmakers: “Your federal agents weren’t invited, they aren’t needed, and their presence has fomented the very violence you claim they are there to prevent.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

WASHINGTON DC [10/9/25] – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) led Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) demanding that the Trump administration provide answers about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland. 

The requests follow the lawmakers’ visit to the ICE facility on S. Macadam Avenue on September 25, when ICE officials failed to thoroughly respond to lawmakers’ questions, including questions about detainments and processing, tactics used by the Federal Protective Service, and access to counsel in immigration hearings.

“We received conflicting information from ICE staff, and we remain extremely concerned about civil and human rights violations occurring at the facility,” the lawmakers wrote to the ICE regional office in Seattle. “We are deeply concerned by the lack of oversight and accountability of ICE agents, including those operating out of the Macadam facility.”

The full text of the letter to ICE on detainments and processes at the facility can be found here and below.

The full text of the letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on tactics used by Federal Protective Service at the facility can be found here and below.

The full text of the letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on access to counsel and immigration hearings can be found here and below.

Erik Johnson Deputy Field Office Director Enforcement and Removal Operations Seattle Field Office 12400 Tukwila International Boulevard Seattle, WA 98168

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Thank you for coordinating the visit to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in downtown Portland on September 25, 2025. The facility tour and meeting with ICE staff was very informative, and today we write to follow up on several items that we discussed during the visit. We received conflicting information from ICE staff, and we remain extremely concerned about civil and human rights violations occurring at the facility. 

We are deeply concerned by the lack of oversight and accountability of ICE agents, including those operating out of the Macadam facility. There are multiple instances of agents breaking car windows and ripping people from their vehicles, holding knives to people’s necks, and shoving bystanders to the ground. In addition to this unnecessary violence and use of force, ICE agents hide their identities by wearing masks and do not have visible identification or badge numbers. This poses a serious safety concern and makes the entire community less safe. We also heard about changes being made to expeditiously hire new ICE agents at the facility, including compressing the training. In addition to unnecessary aggression perpetuated by ICE agents, we are concerned about how new agents with less training might further escalate tensions in the community. 

Because of the scale of immigration enforcement operations in Oregon and the lack of transparency around DHS and ICE procedures under the current Trump administration, we demand answers to the following questions:

1. What is the current process to initiate an initial review of a bond request at Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)? Who at ERO is responsible for initial reviews of requests for bond?
2. What criteria is used to determine which requests for bond will be sent forward or denied? Please provide any directives that outline these criteria.
3. Of the total number of detained noncitizens who have come through the facility since January 2025, how many bond requests have been approved and how many have been denied?
4. We have seen reports that individuals with legal status have been detained. What criteria have agents been given to determine who to detain?
5. There are several instances of immigrants with documented medical and health concerns or who were recovering from surgery who were summarily deported. What standards are used to determine medical clearance for deportation? Please provide a copy of those standards.
6. Masked ICE agents are unidentifiable in our communities and hide their identities. This raises significant safety concerns. How are you holding your staff accountable for negligence and unnecessary violence if ICE agents do not have identification or badge numbers visible?
7. We understand that hiring for the community relations position at the Macadam facility has been challenging. What plans are in place to hire a Community Relations staff for the Macadam facility?
8. There are multiple reports of ICE staff harassing volunteers outside of the facility. What training are staff receiving on carrying out community enforcement? What plans are in place to guarantee that newly hired staff are adequately trained on a condensed timeline?
9. How are you complying with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and working to make sure people with mobility issues are able to access the facility for appointments? 

Thank you for your attention to this letter and we look forward to your prompt response. 

 

The Honorable Kristi Noem Secretary U.S. Department of Homeland Security 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20001

Dear Secretary Noem:

On September 25, 2025, members of the Oregon congressional delegation visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in downtown Portland on S. Macadam Avenue. The facility tour and meeting with ICE staff was very informative. Today we write to follow up on several items that were discussed during the visit. We remain extremely concerned about civil and human rights violations by Federal Protective Service (FPS) at the facility. 

More than a dozen advocates outside the facility have reported unprovoked attacks by Homeland Security police and FPS officers, leaving people with large bruises, chemical burns, and lingering pain. The Portland Police Bureau reported that federal police shoved, hit, and used chemical spray on people outside the facility when, according to multiple witnesses, there was  no physical threat to officers. Additionally, a Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief said in a court filing that federal police are instigating some of the clashes. These allegations are unacceptable. It is the responsibility of FPS to protect federal persons and property.^[1] In June, the President issued a Presidential Memoranda calling at least 2,000 members of the National Guard into Federal service under the false premise that they are needed  to “temporarily protect ICE and other United States Government personnel performing Federal functions.”^[2]

Over the weekend, federal law enforcement escalated their tactics against demonstrators outside of Macadam facility, including firing tear gas and smoke canisters, pepper spraying peaceful protestors in the face, and deploying pepper bullets. These attacks initiated by FPS and other federal law enforcement are unacceptable. 

We demand additional clarity about the response from your agents at the ICE Macadam facility:

1. What type of munitions are used against people collected outside of the Macadam facility? Please provide a detailed description.
2. What criteria is used to determine whether or not to use munitions against people outside the facility? How do you decide what tools to use at different times of day? Who makes those determinations?
3. There have been several reports of Federal Protective Services Agents instigating violent altercations with peaceful protesters outside the Macadam facility. How does FPS determine when to engage with protestors? What criteria is used to make these determinations? Are there protocols in place to hold FPS accountable when they use unnecessary force?
4. Neighbors and businesses near the Macadam facility have reported lingering substances in the air causing health concerns. How are you working with neighbors and businesses around the facility to reduce negative consequences of these substances?              

Thank you for your attention to this letter. We look forward to hearing from you by October 22, 2025. 

The Honorable Pam Bondi Attorney General of the United States U.S. Department of Justice 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20001

Dear Attorney General Bondi:

On September 25, 2025, members of the Oregon congressional delegation visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in downtown Portland on S. Macadam Avenue. The facility tour and meeting with ICE staff was very informative. Today we write to follow up on several items that were discussed during the visit. We remain extremely concerned about due process violations by ICE staff and attorneys.

The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to due process, regardless of immigration status, and the Immigration and Nationality Act outlines the right to counsel in any removal proceedings.^[3] Due process is a cornerstone of American democracy that is currently being eroded. When a person’s rights are violated, the result can be wrongful deportations. 

Community organizations are reporting that some immigrants are being denied access to counsel at the Macadam facility. During our meeting at the ICE facility, we repeatedly asked for clarification about why individuals in detention have been denied access to counsel and were not provided with an adequate response. Because of the scale of immigration enforcement operations in Oregon and the lack of transparency around DHS and ICE procedures under the current Trump administration, we demand answers to the following questions:

1. What pre-representation support is allowed at the Macadam facility?
   1. Do you allow attorneys to enter the Macadam facility to conduct pre-representational interviews?
   2. Do you ever deny attorneys access to the facility to conduct pre-representational interviews? If so, under what circumstances and what authority?
2. The U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to due process and the law allows the right to an attorney. On what grounds are you denying counsel to individuals in custody?
3. What is the protocol staff follow when someone in ICE custody at the Macadam facility requests a lawyer?
4. What options are available for individuals seeking virtual immigration hearings? Are these ever granted? If not, on what grounds are those requests denied?
5. How long do removal proceeding hearings typically last?
6. Which personnel are allowed into immigration hearings (ICE staff, DOJ staff, attorneys, etc.)? 

Thank you for your attention to this letter and we look forward to your prompt response.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Suzanne Bonamici (1st District Oregon)

BEAVERTON, OR [10/01/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) announced that she will host town hall meetings in Seaside and Beaverton this weekend.

 

Bonamici will answer questions from attendees and provide an update about her work in Congress. The town hall meeting in Seaside will be on Saturday and the town hall meeting in Beaverton will be on Sunday.

 

“Town hall meetings are an important opportunity for me to hear directly from the people of NW Oregon about the issues that affect their lives,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “This year has been challenging for many, and the stories I hear will help inform my work in DC to advocate for the policies and resources our community needs. I invite everyone who is able to join me in Seaside or Beaverton.”

             

Members of Bonamici’s staff will be at the town hall meetings to assist anyone who is experiencing problems with federal agencies, including the VA, Social Security Administration, immigration, and IRS.

 

Seaside Town Hall Meeting

Saturday, October 4 – 11 a.m.

Pacific Ridge Elementary School Gym

2000 Spruce Drive, Seaside

 

Beaverton Town Hall Meeting

Sunday, October 5 – 1 p.m.

Arts & Communication Magnet Academy Auditorium

11375 SW Center Street, Beaverton

 

For everyone’s safety and security, large bags and backpacks are not allowed at the town hall meeting. Small purses no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted. Attendees will not be allowed inside if they do not comply with these safety regulations. Doors will open an hour before each event. 

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