To the Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:

We respectfully call upon the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to open a formal investigation into the recent alleged violations of due process rights by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Since its creation in 1927, the Oversight Committee has been holding our governmental bodies accountable for how they use the power -- and funds -- given to them. In its words, the committee works to "identify problems, shine light on the situation, and propose reforms to prevent abuses from being repeated" -- essential, practical work that has helped protect American rights, safety, and livelihoods for nearly a century.

As the House of Representatives’ primary investigative committee, and given its avowed commitment to "provide a check and balance on the role and power of Washington - and a voice to the people it serves", I earnestly entreat the Committee to exercise its oversight authority to ensure that procedural and substantive due process is being upheld by immigration enforcement agencies—without exception, and without delay.

Credible reports of recent detention and imprisonment of persons absent meaningful access to legal counsel, fair hearings, or judicial review are raising urgent questions about the rule of law and the limits of executive authority. These allegations are an urgent matter of national concern that transcends partisan lines. With the sweeping reforms underway throughout the executive branch, rigorous, objective, bipartisan scrutiny is critical to ensure that we do not enshrine new abuses while working hard to rectify those of the past.

When left unexamined, incidents such as these erode the civic trust and engagement that underpins our democracy. And if true violations of the due process of law are occurring, such practices make our country a less safe, less just place for every American citizen -- no matter which party holds the current majority.

We urge the Committee to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently in opening a formal investigation into this matter, and to engage with affected communities, legal experts, and other officials to find the truth of the situation. We stand ready to support this effort in whatever ways we can.

With gratitude and respect,

Melissa P. Morgan, Florida

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Concerned about ICE due process violations? Add your signature! The more of us there are, the harder we are to ignore.

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I am a United States citizen*, and I am willing to respectfully share my perspective or experience at the Oversight Committee's request. (required for signing; we are offering to help, after all)I have legal, governmental, or professional expertise relevant to this matter to shareI have personal experience with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to share

*Signers need to be American citizens because from what I (Melissa) can tell, this committee focuses solely on government abuses and fraud that directly impact citizens, and including non-citizen signers will likely reduce the strength of our request.

I'll let you know via email when I send our letter. If you have relevant expertise or experience, I may reach out before then for a statement that I can include when I send it, so please keep an eye on your email. And of course if they do agree to open an investigation, I will let you know that as well.

I mean it about the nonpartisan thing, too -- if you're concerned about ICE due process rights violations, no matter what else you support or oppose, your voice is welcome. And finally, the data you share here won't be sold, shared, publicized, or signed up for any kind of spam, political or otherwise.

To the Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:

Co-Sign With Me

Co-Signers

Casey

McNeil

,

AL - Alabama