After several raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement within the state, U.S. Rep.
Mark Pocan, D-Black Earth, submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to get more information from the controversial agency.
ICE activity in September resulted in 83 arrests in Wisconsin, leading some officials and activists to criticize the federal agency’s lack of transparency and collaboration with local law enforcement.
“My request comes 3 weeks after I first contacted ICE and 2 weeks after I met with officials,” Pocan tweeted. “Despite these numerous attempts, we still do not have answers. This is unacceptable.”
Today I submitted a FOIA request to @ICEgov to receive records regarding recent raids in Wisconsin.
— Rep. Mark Pocan (@repmarkpocan) October 12, 2018
My request comes 3 weeks after I first contacted ICE and 2 weeks after I met with officials. Despite these numerous attempts, we still do not have answers. This is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/A517EJKAAu
Pocan requested information both regarding the scope of ICE activity and further information on those detained.
The congressman is asking if any contact with local officials took place before or during the raids and if ICE is working from any spaces beyond their Milwaukee office.
In regards to those detained, Pocan requested information on the offenses they were arrested for, or lack thereof, any dependents of those now in ICE custody and the distribution of privacy release forms to detainees in order to make them capable of seeking assistance from Congressional representatives or others.
This is the first time Pocan has submitted a FOIA request to a federal agency.
