Deluzio Demands Answers from ICE on Recent Arrests in Oakmont Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Chris Deluzio sent a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Tom Lyons demanding answers to basic questions about the recent arrest of Oakmont resident Jose Flores and other activities in the area.

"I'm demanding answers to basic questions about the arrest and detention of Oakmont resident Jose Flores in front of his 8-year old daughter and other ICE activities in our area last month," Congressman Deluzio said. "My office is in touch with his family and his lawyer-and according to them and local reporting, Mr. Flores has no criminal record and is in the United States legally under a valid work authorization document. I'll keep fighting for answers and accountability for ICE and Secretary Kristi Noem's failed leadership."

The letter sent yesterday follows the Congressman's multiple 'no' votes on Department of Homeland Security funding bills that did not include strong guardrails, accountability, or reforms to rein in ICE's abuses. See a previous statement here.

The full text of Congressman Deluzio's letter is here, and below:

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

Last Thursday, January 29, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Mr. Jose Flores, a resident of Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District, outside his home in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. According to local reporting, Mr. Flores has no criminal record and has a valid five-year work authorization document with a valid REAL ID and Social Security number. Mr. Flores and his family are awaiting an affirmative asylum determination.

I have questions about this specific arrest and ICE activities in and around Oakmont, PA last month. I request responses to the following questions by February 9th, 2026:

1. How many people were detained in and around Oakmont, PA in January 2026?

2. On what basis were they detained??

   1. On what basis was Mr. Flores detained? Was he detained pursuant to a warrant?

3. Was his action targeted at specific people for enforcement?

   1. If so, what underlying offenses, conduct, or other criteria made someone a target for enforcement. Provide this information for each targeted person.

4. Were any non-targeted people also detained?

5. Have removal proceedings been initiated for any people detained?

6. What other law enforcement agencies or departments were involved in this activity?

7. What is the status of those who were detained?

It took you nearly six months to respond to my previous letter, dated August 5, 2025. I expect more prompt communication in response to my Congressional inquiries.

Very respectfully,
Chris Deluzio
Member of Congress

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