Oregon delegation urges Trump administration to end expedited immigration hearings

— Members of Oregon's congressional delegation sent a letter to Trump administration officials today demanding an end to expedited “mega master” immigration hearings.

Official response and confirmed impact

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Reps.

The lawmakers addressed the letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, executive Office for Immigration Review Acting Director Sirce E.

Owen and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director David Venturella.

“This unwarranted blitzkrieg of assaults on justice and fair treatment raises serious constitutional concerns and is unworthy of the oaths you swore to uphold,” the lawmakers wrote.

The Oregon delegation stated that federal agencies have expanded overcrowded dockets nationwide while restricting access to counsel.

Incident under investigation

Janelle Bynum, Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle and Maxine Dexter, stated that fast-tracked court proceedings process hundreds of immigrant cases a day, stripping individuals of due process.

In the letter, the Oregon lawmakers condemned recent policy changes by federal immigration enforcement and administrative court agencies.