Rep. Judy Chu Fights for Immigrant Rights Amid Escalating ICE Raids
PASADENA, CA – On June 18th, a newly surfaced video captured alarming scenes at the intersection of Los Robles and Orange Avenue in Pasadena. In the footage, ICE agents appear to commit serious violations of the law, aiming weapons at innocent civilians, driving recklessly through residential streets, and failing to present warrants or identify themselves. These chaotic and dangerous tactics put entire communities at risk. And they make it clear that Trump’s ICE raids don’t just target immigrants, they endanger and affect all of us regardless of immigration status.
In response to this abuse of power in her district, Rep. Judy Chu visited the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where several Pasadena residents swept up in the recent raids were reportedly being held. But federal officials denied her entry, despite her legal right as a Member of Congress to conduct oversight.
“These raids aren’t targeting criminals, they’re indiscriminately targeting workplaces, community institutions, and family homes,” said Rep. Chu. “They’re rounding up people who contribute to our communities and keep our economy running. I’ve heard from countless constituents who are sick with worry. I will not stop fighting for our immigrant communities and their right to due process.”
Over the past month, Rep. Chu has led a series of oversight efforts demanding transparency, accountability, and humane treatment:
On June 8th, after learning that individuals swept up in the Los Angeles raids were being transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, Rep. Chu joined Reps. Gil Cisneros and Derek Tran to conduct an oversight visit of the facility. Despite their legal authority as Members of Congress, ICE officials unlawfully denied them entry. Rep. Chu has long called for the closure of Adelanto, citing its deeply troubling history of human rights abuses, including repeated violations of detainees’ constitutional rights and even deaths in custody.
On June 13th, Rep. Chu sent a formal letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons demanding answers for ICE’s unlawful denial of a legally authorized congressional oversight visit to Adelanto on June 8th.
On June 17th, Rep. Chu led another delegation trip to Adelanto with Reps. Linda Sánchez, Mark Takano, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Luz Rivas. While the group was permitted entry, what they witnessed was deeply disturbing. Detainees reported going days without clean clothes, having little to no access to phones, and being unable to contact legal representatives, clear signs of inhumane and unacceptable conditions.
“After the Eaton Fire devastated our community, burning more than 14,000 acres and claiming 18 lives, my community came together in the most inspiring ways,” said Rep. Chu. “Just as we began to rebuild and look toward recovery, the Trump administration chose to unleash a wave of vile ICE raids on our neighborhoods to terrorize Southern Californians, regardless of immigration status, even targeting survivors of the Eaton Fire. This isn’t about public safety, it’s about fear and cruelty.”