Whereas, Community leaders, demonstrators, and concerned citizens across the country are calling for accountability following recent incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, reflecting widespread concern about the conduct and oversight of federal immigration enforcement. Despite rising tensions and significant public concern, federal immigration raids are ongoing, with no indication that enforcement actions or the tactics used by officers at ICE or the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will change; and
Whereas, State and local leaders have repeatedly warned that the current approach to federal immigration enforcement poses a threat to public safety and community trust, and that the escalation of aggressive operations increases the risk of harm. Recent fatal incidents involving ICE officers during enforcement operations have raised serious questions about the use of force, transparency, and accountability in federal immigration enforcement; and
Whereas, The Trump Administration has restructured and reduced key DHS oversight agencies, including the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman, and the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, limiting avenues for independent investigations into alleged misconduct or excessive use of force by federal officers. Reports to Congress indicate that, due to staff reductions and closures in these oversight agencies, hundreds of complaints about officer conduct have gone unaddressed. The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, which traditionally prosecutes law enforcement officers accused of excessive force, has also seen significant staff reductions and a curtailment of investigations into unconstitutional practices over the last year; and
Whereas, The lack of federal accountability and oversight has contributed to growing public distrust, widespread protests, and heightened trauma in communities already affected by previous incidents of law enforcement violations. Restoring robust federal oversight and accountability mechanisms is essential to ensuring that immigration enforcement is conducted lawfully, transparently, and with respect for civil rights and community safety; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Congress to restore and strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms for United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Department of Homeland Security in light of recent events nationwide; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Adopted in the Senate 22 to 15 (details)
