Members of Washington delegation demand answers regarding recent ICE raid in Kent

A group of six congressional representatives from Washington state has formally requested clarification from federal agencies following a controversial immigration enforcement raid in Kent that led to the arrest of 17 individuals. The lawmakers, including prominent figures like Pramila Jayapal and Adam Smith, articulated their concerns about the raid's detrimental effects on community trust and local economies. They noted that this operation involved the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement practices. The letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and others seeks information on the arrested individuals' immigration status and the sharing of taxpayer data. Lawmakers argue that such raids target hardworking community members and contribute to a climate of fear.

They emphasize that the lack of transparency surrounding the operation raises serious questions about its legitimacy. The representatives demand immediate answers to their inquiries, underscoring the need for accountability in immigration enforcement actions. Federal officials have not yet provided a public response to the letter.