Virginia Members Of Congress Welcome Investigation Of ICE Encounter With Jose Mejia Hernandez

Rep. Don Beyer, Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mark Warner, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, and Rep. James Walkinshaw today issued the following statement after the Arlington County Police Department opened a formal investigation into the August 11 encounter with ICE agents that resulted in José Mejía Hernandez’ hospitalization and brain injury: “We strongly support the Arlington County Police Department’s decision to open this investigation, which is essential to establishing how José Mejía Hernandez suffered serious injuries. These included internal bleeding and a brain injury after an encounter with ICE agents. It is unfortunate that the Trump Administration has abandoned its responsibilities to hold federal agents under their command accountable, leaving state and local jurisdictions to do the job the Administration refuses to do to maintain law and order and protect the public. That failure is fueling a pattern of unchecked violence, rights violations, and chaos, in some cases with deadly consequences. If this investigation finds that ICE agents’ misconduct caused Mr. Mejía Hernandez’ injuries or impeded his medical treatment, they must face consequences. We will continue seeking answers about what happened to Mr. Mejía Hernandez in Arlington, and working to ensure he receives access to the medical care and support he needs to recover.”