Robert Garcia Questions DHS Over Tweet Denying Arrests of US Citizens

DHS Tweet Under Scrutiny

• 🎯 A tweet from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is presented, stating, "ICE does not arrest or deport US citizens."
• ⚠️ The tweet clarifies that US citizens are only arrested if they obstruct or assault law enforcement, and immigration enforcement targets those illegally in the US, not based on race or ethnicity.

Witnesses Declare Tweet a Lie

• 🗣️ Five US citizens who were previously arrested by ICE were asked if the DHS tweet was a lie.
• ❌ Each of the five individuals unequivocally stated that the tweet was a lie.
• 😡 One witness called it a "damn lie and they know it," while another stated, "It's a lie."

Allegations of Racial Profiling

• 🧐 Representative Garcia questioned a witness about whether DHS racially profiles American citizens.
• 💬 The response indicated that profiling occurs based on "how they look," referencing a statement by Gregory Vavino.

Personal Testimonies of Rights Violations

• 🇺🇸 Mr. Rees, a US veteran who served in Iraq, shared his experience of having his rights violated by his own government.
• ⛓️ Despite clearly stating his veteran status and serving the country, he was violently arrested by ICE.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 During his detention, he had no contact with his family and missed his daughter's birthday, highlighting a severe lack of due process and communication.

Broader Implications of Government Actions

• ⚖️ Representative Garcia emphasized that if such incidents can happen to these five US citizens, it could happen to anyone.
• 🚨 He criticized the current administration for arresting and detaining US citizens without due process, legal representation, or contact with family.
• ✊ The congressman stated this is the reality they are fighting against daily with their partners in the Senate.