Californians urge action against ICE raids harming immigrants and local economy
July 27, 2025 | Ways and Means: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The Full Committee Field Hearing held by the U.S. House Committee on Ways & Means on July 27, 2025, focused on the economic implications of recent immigration enforcement actions and their impact on American communities, particularly in California.
The meeting began with a critical examination of the actions taken by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which were described as racially profiling and harassing constituents. A committee member expressed concern over the addition of $4.1 trillion to the national debt, attributing a significant portion of this spending to the illegal detention and deportation of U.S. citizens, as well as the suppression of local economies.
A notable point of discussion was the reported behavior of ICE officers, including an incident where officers allegedly urinated on school property near an elementary school. This raised questions about accountability and the treatment of individuals during enforcement actions.
Mr. Kim, a witness at the hearing, highlighted the detrimental effects of these ICE raids on Californians and small businesses. He noted that California hosts the largest share of immigrants in the U.S., who play a crucial role in the state's economy. Undocumented immigrants contribute approximately $8.5 billion annually in state and local taxes, and nearly $60 billion in federal taxes, despite being excluded from most public benefits.
Mr. Kim warned that indiscriminate deportations and the fear they instill could lead to a significant decline in economic activity and tax revenue, as many undocumented individuals are integral to the workforce. He illustrated the personal impact of these raids, sharing a poignant image of children in affected neighborhoods carrying pizza boxes home, as they were often the only documented members of their families.
The hearing concluded with a reminder of the importance of compassion in immigration policy, referencing a quote from former President Ronald Reagan advocating for amnesty for those who have established roots in the country. The committee members were urged to reflect on these values as they consider future legislation.
Overall, the hearing underscored the complex interplay between immigration enforcement and economic stability, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both security and the contributions of immigrant communities.
The meeting began with a critical examination of the actions taken by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which were described as racially profiling and harassing constituents. A committee member expressed concern over the addition of $4.1 trillion to the national debt, attributing a significant portion of this spending to the illegal detention and deportation of U.S. citizens, as well as the suppression of local economies.
A notable point of discussion was the reported behavior of ICE officers, including an incident where officers allegedly urinated on school property near an elementary school. This raised questions about accountability and the treatment of individuals during enforcement actions.
Mr. Kim, a witness at the hearing, highlighted the detrimental effects of these ICE raids on Californians and small businesses. He noted that California hosts the largest share of immigrants in the U.S., who play a crucial role in the state's economy. Undocumented immigrants contribute approximately $8.5 billion annually in state and local taxes, and nearly $60 billion in federal taxes, despite being excluded from most public benefits.
Mr. Kim warned that indiscriminate deportations and the fear they instill could lead to a significant decline in economic activity and tax revenue, as many undocumented individuals are integral to the workforce. He illustrated the personal impact of these raids, sharing a poignant image of children in affected neighborhoods carrying pizza boxes home, as they were often the only documented members of their families.
The hearing concluded with a reminder of the importance of compassion in immigration policy, referencing a quote from former President Ronald Reagan advocating for amnesty for those who have established roots in the country. The committee members were urged to reflect on these values as they consider future legislation.
Overall, the hearing underscored the complex interplay between immigration enforcement and economic stability, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both security and the contributions of immigrant communities.
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