Representative Pramila Jayapal has reiterated her characterization of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency as a "terrorist force," accusing ICE agents of "kidnapping and disappearing people on the streets of the United States." Jayapal claims that ICE is targeting asylum-seekers, families, and relatives of citizens, many without criminal records. She has stated that the White House owes an apology to the American people for the agency's actions. Jayapal held a shadow hearing last week addressing what she described as unlawful ICE raids amid a reported 700% increase in assaults against ICE agents. The White House has demanded an immediate apology from Jayapal for what it calls "dangerous smears" against ICE. The controversy has drawn criticism from political opponents who describe her comments as deranged and accuse her of defending unlawful behavior. Meanwhile, some activists report witnessing masked agents outside immigration hearings engaging in what they describe as illegal and violent detentions.