For immediate release
September 14, 2026
Contact: press@alianzaamericas.org / (773) 638-4278
Abel Nunez, abel.nunez@carecendc.org / 773-320-1408
The American people have expressed unequivocally their rejection of ICE raids in which violence is used disproportionately. While opinions may differ on immigration policy, there is broad agreement that federal law enforcement agencies must carry out their duties in a manner that respects human dignity, protects public safety, and upholds the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. The use of force by federal immigration agents against community members raises serious questions about accountability, proportionality, and the conduct of immigration enforcement operations.
The law does not mandate the use of violence against individuals when they are being apprehended for immigration violations, or against unarmed community members or individuals exercising their constitutional rights. The events in Frederick, Maryland, on September 3rd and 4th are the most recent example of excessive and unnecessary use of force by ICE agents. The community, local elected officials, and migrant-led and migrant serving organizations are demanding an investigation regarding what occurred and whether federal agents adhered to established policies, procedures, and standards. The silence from ICE and DHS indicates that the same patterns of abuse in the use of force in immigration enforcement operations continue.
The absence of a transparent public accounting from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security only deepens concern and undermines public trust. When executive agencies fail to provide meaningful answers about their actions, responsibility falls to Congress to exercise its constitutional oversight role. Federal law enforcement agencies wield extraordinary authority, and that authority must be subject to rigorous scrutiny whenever credible allegations of misconduct arise.
Alianza Americas and our member organization CARECEN DC join calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into ICE’s actions in Frederick. Accountability is essential to the exercise of power. Accountability is fundamental to democracy and to the legitimate exercise of government power. The directly impacted community deserves answers, as do civic leaders and communities across the country that have voiced concern regarding the conduct of immigration enforcement operations
A thorough investigation should provide answers in three critical areas:
The purpose and conduct of the operation. What was the objective of the Frederick operation, and was that objective achieved? Why were agents reportedly positioned near a specific address for approximately 40 hours, and what operational justification existed for maintaining that presence? What factors informed the planning and execution of the operation, and were alternative approaches considered to minimize risks to the community?
Training, de-escalation, and use of force. What training do ICE agents receive for responding to protests and managing crowds during enforcement operations? What de-escalation procedures are agents expected to follow when community members object to their presence? What standards govern the use of force, and under what circumstances are agents authorized to use firearms, electroshock weapons, batons, or other weapons? Were those standards followed in Frederick?
Accountability and independent review. What review is required when an ICE operation results in the use of force or injuries? Who determines whether an incident warrants an internal investigation or referral for a federal criminal investigation? What agencies are responsible for conducting those investigations, and will their findings be made public? What mechanisms exist to ensure accountability if agents violated agency policy, federal law, or constitutional protections?
The safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions are at stake when when ICE agents exercise force without clear public accountability. Secretary Mullin, David Venturella, Acting ICE Director, and Tom Homan, Assistant to the President and Border Czar, must provide a full accounting of the events in Frederick. We also call on members of Congress, regardless of party, to fulfill their constitutional oversight responsibilities and ensure that federal immigration enforcement agencies operate within the law, respect civil rights, and remain accountable to the American people, it is what we all deserve. If the executive branch will not hold itself accountable, Congress must. And if today's Congress chooses not to act, a future Congress has an obligation to seek the truth, establish the facts, and ensure that no federal agency is beyond oversight. The American people deserve transparency, and communities affected by these operations deserve answers. Accountability delayed should not become accountability denied.
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Alianza Americas is a transnational network of migrant-led organizations in the United States. We advocate for social justice, equity, and human rights in the Americas.
CARECEN DC is an organization dedicated to fostering the comprehensive development of the Latino population in the Washington metropolitan region by providing direct services while promoting grassroots empowerment, civic engagement, and human rights advocacy.
