Congresswoman Norma Torres Condemns and Demands Investigation into ICE's Attack on Members of Congress
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA) is calling for an immediate and full investigation into the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who recently engaged in a violent and unconscionable attack on members of Congress while they were conducting oversight over the executive branch at the ICE Detention Center in Newark, New Jersey.
"This is an attack on our democracy and an abuse of power that cannot and will not be tolerated. Being an appropriator doesn't mean giving President Donald Trump a blank check; it means fulfilling the constitutional duty of overseeing how ICE is using the allocated funds and ensuring proper accountability," said Congresswoman Torres. "We demand an immediate investigation into who gave the orders to target sitting members of Congress. These actions go beyond the realm of acceptable conduct — they are a direct attack on the fundamental rights of elected officials to do their jobs without fear of retaliation or violence."
The incident, which involved ICE agents targeting and accosting Reps. Rob Menendez, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and LaMonica McIver during a routine oversight visit, marks a dangerous escalation of tactics used by this administration. Members of Congress have a constitutional responsibility to oversee and challenge the actions of agencies like ICE — not to be subjected to threats, intimidation, or violence while carrying out those duties.
"The level of aggression shown by these agents is a disgrace," Torres continued. "This is not about enforcing laws — it is about sending a message of intimidation to anyone who dares challenge this administration. It is clear that this attack was orchestrated at the highest levels, and those responsible must be held accountable. The leadership of DHS and ICE must not only rectify the situation but also explain who within the agency issued the orders to use such heavy-handed tactics against sitting members of Congress. This is not just a matter of individual misconduct; this is a pattern of behavior that has been fostered at the very top — and it must end now."
###