Rep. Costa, Joined by Rep. Carbajal and Local Leaders, Demands Transparency and Accountability Over ICE Operations

October 27, 2026 Press Release FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) was joined by Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez, and Nora Zaragoza-Yáñez of Faith in the Valley in a virtual press conference today to address recent immigration enforcement operations across the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast and demand greater transparency and accountability from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During the press conference, Costa highlighted his efforts to lead members of California’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, in demanding answers from federal immigration authorities about enforcement priorities, detention practices, and the impact of recent operations on California communities. BACKGROUND Since January 2025, the Trump Administration has expanded federal immigration enforcement operations across the country, including in California's San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast. Recent enforcement activity beginning October 2026, has raised concerns among local families, community advocates, and elected officials about detention practices, enforcement priorities, and access to information about individuals taken into custody. In response, Congressman Costa led a group of 12 legislators in a letter raising serious concerns about federal immigration enforcement tactics and emphasized the responsibility of federal agencies to operate with transparency, accountability, and respect for the constitutional rights and safety of California residents. In their letter, the lawmakers requested detailed responses to the following: Explain the purpose and duration of ICE operations across California, including increased enforcement activity in the San Joaquin Valley beginning October 5, 2026. Clarify immigration enforcement priorities by identifying the criteria ICE agents use to question, arrest, and detain individuals, including whether operations are targeted or involve broader enforcement activities. Provide transparency on arrests and detentions by releasing a county-by-county breakdown on individuals detained since October 5, including those prior criminal convictions, pending criminal charges, or no criminal record. Ensure proper agent vetting and training by detailing background checks, screening requirements, and training standards, including whether any requirements have been modified, shortened, or waived. Strengthen personnel accountability and oversight by requesting details on ICE officer deployments, professional conduct standards, agent training on constitutional rights and use of force, and procedures for investigating alleged misconduct, including any administrative review or personnel investigation initiated following the October 9 incident involving an off-duty ICE officer in Fresno. Protect due process and access to essential services by demanding transparency on detention locations, processing and transfer procedures, access to legal counsel, notification of rights, family communication, and necessary medical care following an arrest. Strengthen coordination with local authorities by clarifying whether state and local law enforcement agencies and elected official were notified or consulted before ICE operations began and outlining protocols to ensure public safety and address community concerns. The lawmakers also emphasized that enforcing federal immigration law does not diminish the government's responsibility to protect public safety, uphold due process, and ensure accountability for the actions of federal officers. The Members of Congress and Senators requested a written response from ICE and DHS no later than October 30, 2026 . The letter was signed by: Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21), Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Representatives Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Josh Harder (CA-09), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Adam Gray (CA-13), Lou Correa (CA-46), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Norma Torres (CA-35). The full text of the letter can be found HERE . You can watch the full press conference HERE . Issues : Immigration