In summary

California Democratic leaders upset over the Trump administration’s more aggressive crackdown against illegal immigration have sent a flare aimed at Washington D.C.—a Freedom of Information Act request for information about immigration raids and policies.

California Democratic leaders upset over the Trump administration’s more aggressive crackdown against illegal immigration have sent a flare aimed at Washington D.C.—a Freedom of Information Act request for information about immigration raids and policies.

Assembly and Senate leaders sent the letter today. It’s latest punch in an escalating fight over efforts to deport millions of undocumented immigrants who were previously considered low-priority. The letter requests:

  • The number of people deported
  • The crimes they committed to get deported
  • If the detainees were allowed legal representation
  • If ICE agents were operating near schools, courts, government offices, churches and hospitals

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has said sensitive locations are still off-limits to agents.

“The lack of transparency by ICE is creating havoc and confusion in communities across the state and that has to change. It’s time for ICE to come clean on what they’re doing and how they intend to operate going forward,” said Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León in a statement.

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Elizabeth Aguilera is an award-winning multimedia journalist who covers health and social services for CalMatters. She joined CalMatters in 2016 from Southern California Public Radio/KPCC 89.3 where she...