WICHITA– Earlier this month, the Democratic Caucus of the Kansas House of Representatives and Senate sent a letter to U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall accusing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of being “bloated and reckless” and exhibiting “unprofessional behavior” while apprehending dangerous, illegal immigrants from Kansas communities.
Unlike Kansas Democrats, Senator Marshall’s office reached out to DHS officials to confirm details of the targeted enforcement events cited in the letter. Marshall's response is below
“Our federal law enforcement officials have safely and legally removed dozens of illegal immigrants from our communities,” said Senator Marshall. “President Trump promised to make America safe again, and he is delivering on that promise. For Democrats to make unfounded and false accusations against our hardworking law enforcement officials is not only unprofessional but also against the American people's goal of closing our borders and keeping communities safe from illegal and dangerous criminals.”
Contrary to the allegations leveled by the Kansas Democratic Caucus, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the targeted enforcement operations legally and judiciously.
During the July 30, 2025, targeted enforcement operations in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties:
- All HSI agents were clearly marked, displaying badges and other identification.
- Local law enforcement was notified of HSI’s plans to conduct the operations.
- HSI officials on the ground confirmed that all those arrested had committed violations of the Immigration and Naturalization Act. U.S. citizens, Legal Permanent Residents, employees possessing a valid Employment Authorization Document, and any individual already in immigration proceedings were released.
- During the operations in Lenexa and Kansas City, all stovetop burners were safely turned off. The only flame that remained on the stoves was the commercial kitchen stove pilot lights.
- Local protestors and agitators attempted to obstruct the operations by interfering with efforts to detain and arrest suspects, even breaking into the Lenexa restaurant through the back door and surrounding law enforcement vehicles to block their departure.
“Our agents were executing a lawful and targeted operation. When agitators spread false narratives or interfere with law enforcement, it undermines public safety and puts both the community and law enforcement personnel at risk,” said HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “Make no mistake: individuals who violate federal immigration law by being unlawfully present in the United States may be subject to detention and removal proceedings under the law. And let me be clear, assaults on officers have surged dramatically, and anyone who dares to obstruct, assault, or interfere with federal agents will face immediate consequences, including arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
Background:
- Previously, on August 6, 2025, federal agents arrested two Kansas men on charges related to drug trafficking as part of Operation Take Back America.
- Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the number of federal immigration officials in Kansas will double, allowing for better enforcement across the entire state.
- Since President Trump’s inauguration, targeting of brave federal law enforcement officers performing their duties has become more common, as assaults against ICE agents have increased 1000%.