Rep. André Carson Launches Congressional Inquiry Into Unnamed ICE Surge in Indianapolis

Rep. André Carson (D-IN-07) sent a formal congressional inquiry letter on September 3, 2026 to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director David Venturella demanding the name, legal authority, geographic scope, anticipated duration, and safeguards of an unnamed ICE enforcement surge that local watchdog groups say began around Indianapolis on August 31, 2026, with a response deadline of September 9. Carson cited 'reports of unnecessary force that put my constituents at risk' and noted more than 96% of people ICE arrested in July had no prior criminal conviction. Viral videos since Aug 31 showed agents chasing a man across traffic lanes on Post Road at I-70 and arresting a man at a gas station at 38th Street and German Church Road on Sept 2, with the vehicle left at the pump for over six hours. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said neither his office nor Marion County agencies received any federal communication about the operation. A protest gathered the evening of Sept 3 outside a hotel on the city's northwest side believed to be housing the ICE agents involved, following an earlier Sept 2 demonstration at Monument Circle; an immigration attorney reported a surge in client calls, including from prospective citizens, and said children were skipping school and residents avoiding medical appointments and shopping out of fear.