House Democrats Step Up Oversight and Legislation Targeting ICE Tactics

House Democrats escalated their scrutiny of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after reports that masked agents carried out raids on the first day of school in Alexandria, Virginia. Rep. Don Beyer called the operation "draconian," warning that such tactics undermine community trust in law enforcement. In Florida, Reps. Maxwell Frost and Darren Soto visited the agency’s Orlando field office on Tuesday to question local officials about treatment of immigrant families and to signal further, more formal oversight. The lawmakers said they will return to ensure that constituents’ rights are respected and due-process safeguards are observed. Separately, Rep. Jimmy Panetta introduced the Immigrant Witness and Victim Protection Act, which would eliminate the existing 10,000-per-year cap on U and T visas and bar the detention or deportation of applicants while their cases are pending. The legislation aims to encourage undocumented victims and witnesses of serious crimes to cooperate with police without fear of removal, a step local law-enforcement leaders in San Jose say is essential for solving crimes. Other Democratic members pressed for additional accountability measures, including a proposal backed by Minnesota state senator Kelly Morrison that would require ICE officers to display identification during arrests to deter impersonation and related assaults. Lawmakers said the combined initiatives are intended to protect civil liberties while maintaining public safety.