LULAC, JOINED BY LEADING LEGACY CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS, CALLS FOR CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO RECENT FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
The nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, joined by Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, issues a historic call for oversight, adherence to the Constitution, and public accountability
WASHINGTON — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today called on Congress to launch an immediate and independent investigation into a series of recent use-of-force incidents involving federal immigration enforcement personnel. LULAC is joined in this call by Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, reflecting a broad, nonpartisan, cross-sector concern about transparency, accountability, and constitutional compliance.
"This is a moment that requires seriousness, not slogans, and constitutional fidelity, not reflexive defenses," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "When federal officers use deadly force, the American people have a right to expect that such actions are governed by clear rules, rigorous training, meaningful oversight, and accountability that is real, not rhetorical. Congress has both the authority and the obligation to examine whether current immigration enforcement practices reflect the rule of law, due process, and the values that distinguish the United States as a constitutional democracy."
The request follows multiple reported incidents in which federal immigration officers discharged firearms during vehicle-related encounters over a short span of time, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. Public reporting, video evidence, and official statements raise unresolved questions about the consistency of these actions with established use-of-force standards, the adequacy of training and supervision, and the integrity of post-incident review procedures.
LULAC, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters are sending a formal letter to congressional leadership detailing these concerns and urging immediate oversight by the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, the Appropriations Committees, and the committees with jurisdiction over homeland security. A link to the full letter will be made publicly available to ensure transparency and informed public review.
"When federal agents fire into cars, and people die, this is not a failure of split-second judgment," stated Juan Proaño, LULAC Chief Executive Officer. "These actions are a failure of policy, oversight, and leadership. Congress cannot continue to fund a militarized immigration enforcement apparatus without guardrails and then feign surprise when lives are lost. The Constitution demands restraint, accountability, and truth, not excuses issued after the fact," he added.
"Anytime an American citizen is killed by their own government, there must be full transparency and accountability as a bare minimum," said Virginia Kase Solomón, Common Cause President & CEO. "But instead, we see our federal leaders attempt to cover up ICE's deadly reaction to a mother and an American standing up for political views that don't align with the president. In America, we should always be free to criticize our government without fear of retribution, and that's why we're calling on Congress to hold ICE accountable to our communities."
"When federal immigration officers use deadly force, it must trigger congressional oversight — not silence," said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters. "The Constitution deliberately grants Congress oversight authority to prevent abuses, not to rubber-stamp them. No federal agency is above the law, and the League of Women Voters will stand with the American people to defend constitutional rights and demand accountability."
The coalition is calling on Congress to convene immediate oversight hearings to examine use-of-force policies, training protocols, rules of engagement, supervisory practices, and post-incident accountability mechanisms within the Department of Homeland Security and its component agencies. The objective, the organizations stress, is to restore public confidence through transparency and to prevent further loss of life through meaningful reform.
"At stake is not only the safety of individuals directly affected by these encounters," the organizations stated, "but the credibility of federal institutions themselves. When serious incidents occur without clear, public accountability, trust erodes—across communities and across the nation."
LULAC, Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters reaffirm their strongest commitment to a nation governed by law, not force; by restraint, not escalation; and by accountability, not impunity. The organizations urge Congress to act promptly and decisively to ensure that federal immigration enforcement reflects the Constitution, the rule of law, and the best traditions of the American democratic system.
Palomares concludes, "LULAC believes firmly in lawful enforcement and public safety. We also believe just as firmly that no federal agency operates beyond constitutional limits. Oversight is not an attack on law enforcement; it is an affirmation that in America, power is exercised under law, not excused by repetition, urgency, or fear."
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.
About Common Cause
Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Washington, DC, Common Cause has members and supporters living in every congressional district in the United States, and offices in 23 states around the country. Learn more at www.commoncause.org.
About The League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy. With active Leagues in all 50 states and more than 750 Leagues across the country, we engage in advocacy, education, litigation, and organizing to protect every American's freedom to vote. Learn more at lwv.org.
