Bass calls for congressional investigation into 'unlawful and unconstitutional' federal immigration raids

Bass to address ICE raids

Mayor Karen Bass is calling for accountability for what she is calling the unlawful detention of U.S. citizens and immigrants by federal agents.

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alongside Congressman Robert Garcia and immigrant rights leaders, on Monday demanded accountability for what they are calling the unlawful detention of U.S. citizens and immigrants by federal agents following recent immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Timeline:

Federal immigration agents have conducted multiple raids in Los Angeles over the last few months, particularly targeting local car washes.

The raids began this summer, and the grassroots organization, the CLEAN Car Wash Workers Association, reports that more than 250 workers have been taken into custody since that time.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ICE stages raid at car wash in San Pedro

Last week, the LA County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency in the wake of the raids, stating the federal operations have caused fear and forced businesses to shut down.

In September, the Supreme Court lifted a lower court's restraining order, allowing federal agents to resume sweeping immigration operations in Los Angeles.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LA County declares local state of emergency over Trump administration's ICE raids

What they're saying:

"It's kind of sad we're standing here because this has been several months now with egregious attacks from the federal government," said Mayor Bass at a press conference at City Hall. "We're standing here because since June what started here, is now spreading across the country."

At Monday's press conference, Bass said about 170 U.S. citizens have been detained across the country.

California Democratic leaders are seeking records from the federal government related to these ongoing federal raids.

"Beginning today we are demanding that all records and documents, particularly when citizens have been detained and how officers are treating citizens and being detained are available to our committee," said Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42). "We want to understand what they are doing in our neighborhoods.

The other side:

Following the September supreme court ruling that allowed raids to resume, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a statement on social media.

"This decision is a victory for the safety of Americans in California and for the rule of law. DHS will continue to arrest and remove the criminal illegal aliens that @mayorofla is protecting," the DHS said in a statement.

The proponents of the county's state of emergency proclamation say the action aims to mobilize resources and support affected communities.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: LAPD denies claims it's helping ICE conduct immigration raids in Los Angeles

What's next:

Mayor Bass and Congressman Garcia discussed holding field hearings in Los Angeles to hear directly from LA residents and their experiences related to the ongoing federal immigration enforcement. 

The dates for those hearings have yet to be determined.