Reply to our message about ICE and masked agents.

After the salutation:

Minnesota has a proud history of welcoming immigrants and refugees from every continent, nation, and culture, and that has helped to make our communities and our economy strong. However, it is clear that our current immigration system is in desperate need of reform that protects our borders, supports Minnesota industry, offers a fair path to citizenship, and improves the administration and enforcement of our immigration laws. We can protect our national security and enforce our immigration laws while also treating people with compassion and dignity. I am deeply concerned about actions carried out by ICE under the Trump Administration, which include the reports of plainclothes officers wearing masks arresting and detaining immigrants, international students, and even United States citizens without explanation, including throwing them into unmarked vans. This lack of transparency endangers public safety by making it impossible to distinguish between legitimate government officials and dangerous impersonators. The VISIBLE Act requires immigration enforcement officers—including Department of Homeland Security officials, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol agents, and deputized state and local law enforcement—to display clearly visible identification during public-facing immigration enforcement actions. I am a cosponsor of the VISIBLE Act, which was introduced by Sen. Alex Padilla and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

While some of Trump’s immigration enforcement orders have been temporarily blocked by federal courts, I will continue to push for the Trump Administration to adhere to their moral and ethical obligations in enforcing our nation’s laws, and I will continue to seek action on commonsense immigration reform proposals in Congress that live up to our humanitarian va lues. We need comprehensive reforms that protect our national security, support a vibrant economy in Minnesota, create a permanent legal status for Dreamers, and protect immigrants and refugees who are here legally and cannot safely return to their homeland.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to reach out in the future.

Sincerely,

Signature

Tina Smith United States Senator