Kristi Noem Under Investigation for ICE Detaining US Citizens

ProPublica Investigation into ICE Detentions

• 🔍 A ProPublica investigation revealed that ICE has detained at least 170 US citizens.
• ❌ This contradicts Kristi Noem's flat denial that any American citizens have been arrested or detained.
• ⚠️ The New York Times highlighted aggressive tactics used by federal agents, including tackling individuals and telling Latinos they have no rights.

Congressional Investigation Launched

• 🏛️ Congressman Robert Garcia and Senator Richard Blumenthal have initiated a joint investigation into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• 🚨 The investigation focuses on reports of American citizens being detained by their own government without warrants or lawyers, and disappearing from US streets.
• 🗣️ Garcia stated, "No one should live in fear of being thrown behind bars by our own government because of their race or what they look like."

ICE Tactics and Lack of Accountability

• 💥 Videos show immigration officers using aggressive tactics, such as pinning a TV station employee to the ground and shooting an unarmed pastor with pepper balls.
• ❓ When questioned about these tactics, ICE agents are described as working under extreme pressure, with some concerns about their methods.
• 🏠 The transcript highlights a case in Oklahoma City where American citizens had their house destroyed and faced an uncooperative system when seeking answers.

Deportation of US Citizen Children

• 👶 A woman in Louisiana was deported with her two US citizen children, aged seven and four, the latter having stage 4 cancer.
• ⚖️ Despite claims of consent, the attorney for the child stated the mother did not consent to her US citizen children being removed.
• 📄 ICE Directive 11064, concerning non-citizen parents and legal guardians of minor children, mandates affording parents the opportunity to consult legal counsel before arrest or detention, a policy that appears to have been disregarded.

Data Secrecy and Due Process Concerns

• 📊 The Department of Homeland Security does not release data on the detention or removal of US citizens, making ProPublica's findings significant.
• 📉 Reports suggest ICE may be releasing sick detainees to undercount deaths in custody.
• ⚖️ The importance of due process and the Constitution is emphasized as fundamental to American identity and holding the country together.