Reps. Thompson, Rice, Espaillat, & Clarke Demand Answers on Reports ICE is Tracking Trump Protesters
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Chairwoman of the Border Security, Facilitation, & Operations Subcommittee, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), sent a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding news reports that ICE is tracking Trump Administration protesters. The letter demands the tracking document and an explanation.
Letter excerpts:
We are greatly concerned about reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is systematically tracking peaceful, constitutionally protected gatherings organized by groups or individuals opposing President Trump’s policies and are writing to request information about this disturbing and possibly unlawful practice.
On March 6, 2019, The Nation reported that ICE developed a document entitled “Anti-Trump Protest Spreadsheet 07/31/2018” listing specific information about public gatherings and rallies in New York City from July 31 through August 17, 2018. The list includes events related to immigration reform, racial unity, and gun safety, strongly suggesting ICE targeted only progressive gatherings or individuals who oppose the Trump Administration’s policies on these issues. The document even included an event organized by a Member of Congress.
The spreadsheet raises important questions about ICE’s possible misuse of authority and requires oversight to ensure that Americans’ legal and constitutional rights are protected.
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Media contact:
(Thompson) Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
(Rice) Michael Aciman 202-225-5516
(Espaillat) Candace Person 202-225-4365
(Clarke) Christine Bennett 202-225-6231
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