Washington, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Answers on ICE Immigration Court Raids

U.S. lawmakers from Washington state and Arizona have expressed serious concerns over recent immigration enforcement actions involving ICE, demanding detailed explanations from federal agencies. In Kent, Washington, a multi-agency raid arrested 17 individuals at a beverage products company, raising questions about the involvement of IRS personnel and the absence of violent criminal links, which lawmakers argue undermines community trust and causes fear. Meanwhile, in Phoenix, Arizona, ICE agents have detained migrants at immigration court hearings, including reportedly stopping individuals after they left courthouse grounds, which local Democrats argue violates due process and discourages attendance at hearings. Arizona lawmakers emphasize that ICE should prioritize targeting violent criminals and public safety threats rather than noncriminal immigrants complying with the law. Both groups of lawmakers have requested data on the number and status of those arrested, copies of ICE directives governing such actions, and assurances that individuals' rights to seek asylum and fair hearings are being respected. These developments highlight ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement practices that critics say disrupt communities and contradict stated federal priorities.