Congresswoman Luz Rivas Demands Meeting from ICE and CBP Leadership Regarding L.A. ICE Raids
LOS ANGELES — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), the first Latina to represent California’s 29th Congressional District and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott requesting a meeting from both agencies to discuss the harmful actions of, and demand accountability from, ICE agents in Los Angeles.
“There has been a series of disturbing events in the San Fernando Valley and the larger Los Angeles region, where ICE has used intimidation tactics that have sown fear and chaos in communities,” wrote Congresswoman Rivas. “Additionally, immigrants are being arrested and detained without legal cause or warrants in many cases and are considered ‘collateral’ arrests. I am deeply concerned by the indiscriminate nature of recent raids and seek transparency into the planning and execution of such raids.”
Throughout the duration of ICE’s presence in Los Angeles, ICE and CBP agents have been reported at sensitive locations, including homeless shelters, elementary schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Additionally, ICE and CBP agents have been seen wearing homemade masks or face coverings who are arriving in unmarked vehicles. The disregard for sensitive locations that has been respected in previous administrations, and the lack of transparency has led to increased confusion and misinformation.
Congresswoman Rivas continued: “As the elected official not just representing the hard-working immigrant communities of the San Fernando Valley, but as someone who grew up here, I seek transparency and accountability from all federal agencies. I request an in-person meeting to further discuss these issues impacting our communities and the entire country.”
A full copy of the letter can be found here and below.
Dear Acting Director Lyons and Commissioner Scott:
The recent raids and detainments of immigrants, including U.S. citizens, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have sown fear, chaos, and terror among communities across Los Angeles. The success of our country was created by generations of hard-working immigrant families who came from all over the world to pursue their piece of the American Dream.
As a lawmaker, it is my duty and right to conduct oversight of these actions and ensure accountability and transparency. Therefore, I am requesting an in-person meeting with ICE and CBP leadership as soon as possible to discuss the actions of agency personnel and conduct direct and constructive oversight to ensure accountability and transparency into the recent raids that have taken place in Los Angeles.
There has been a series of disturbing events in the San Fernando Valley and the larger Los Angeles region, where ICE has used intimidation tactics that have sown fear and chaos in communities. A recent review of immigration arrests by the Los Angeles Times found that “the number of immigration arrests in the L.A. region quadrupled from 540 in April to 2,185 in June, seven out of 10 immigrants arrested in June had no criminal conviction.”1 This sharp uptick in arrests and detainments by agents who are masked and in unmarked vehicles has not only instilled fear in communities, it has also not met the stated goal of this administration to target the “worst of the worst.” Additionally, immigrants are being arrested and detained without legal cause or warrants in many cases and are considered “collateral” arrests. While I agree that individuals with violent criminal records should be the target of enforcement actions, I am deeply concerned by the indiscriminate nature of recent raids and seek transparency into the planning and execution of such raids.
While the number of indiscriminate arrests has sharply increased, I am also deeply alarmed that ICE and CBP agents have approached individuals at sensitive locations like homeless shelters, elementary schools, hospitals, parks, and places of worship. In previous Administrations, ICE had generally avoided enforcement actions at these sensitive locations. This change in policy raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the community. I have also heard from the immigrant community directly - they are in fear of seeking medical attention, attending school, or their child’s graduation in fear of being detained. These actions are misguided and have a harmful impact on critical services in our communities. I urge ICE and CBP leadership to reconsider this change in policy.
Furthermore, ICE agents are creating a harmful precedent by targeting law-abiding families in our communities who have been attending their required immigration hearings at courthouses. At the Van Nuys Courthouse, individuals are complying with government orders to appear for scheduled hearings, only to have the ICE attorney request dismissal of their case with no notice to seemingly facilitate their immediate detention by ICE or CBP agents. These actions not only deny individuals who are following instructions but also have a chilling effect on ensuring compliance with notices to appear and interview notices. Although courthouses were not considered to be sensitive locations under the previous policy, I am requesting information about guidance purportedly issued to ICE attorneys to request dismissals to facilitate detentions and placement in expedited removal.
During raids, I have seen an increased use of homemade masks or face coverings worn by ICE and CBP agents who are arriving in unmarked vehicles. Agents are refusing to identify themselves with any visible labels or identification, which has created dangerous situations and undermined necessary transparency and accountability. This is particularly concerning in instances where excessive use of force is taking place. Without the ability to properly identify agents involved, there is no way to adequately file detailed complaints or requests for investigation. In addition, the lack of transparency is leading to confusion and misinformation about the use of “bounty hunters” to conduct these raids. These careless and harmful actions of ICE and CBP agents are preventing local law enforcement officials from protecting our communities and addressing crime.
As part of our oversight responsibilities, I am requesting an in-person meeting with you to discuss the following questions:
- As a Member of Congress, I am not notified as to when or how ICE or CBP will conduct raids in communities. How do ICE and CBP decide which locations to target? Provide details on the planning process and factors considered when determining locations or persons to target.
- Provide a list of all ICE and CBP operations that have occurred in CA-29 since January 20, 2025, including date, time, location, and names, immigration status, criminal history (or lack thereof), detention history, and basis for arrest, detention, or removal action for all individuals who were subject to each of these enforcement operations.
- What guidance and training do ICE and CBP agents receive on use of force? Are ICE and CBP agents trained in emergency medical services, such as CPR or identifying a heart attack, if an individual has a medical emergency during an enforcement operation? If so, provide details on the training provided.
- With an increase in documented cases of excessive force employed by ICE and CBP agents, such as the June 19th incident in Pacoima, what is the process to file a complaint about inappropriate use of force, and who reviews these complaints?
- Since ICE agents are masked and refuse to identify themselves, can you confirm the use of “bounty hunters” or contractors to execute your enforcement operation? What is the extent and scope of their duties?
As an elected official not just representing the hard-working immigrant communities of the San Fernando Valley, but as someone who grew up here, I seek transparency and accountability from all federal agencies. I request an in-person meeting to further discuss these issues impacting our communities and the entire country.
Sincerely,
Luz Rivas
Member of Congress
CC: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
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