Demand Investigation and Accountability for ICE Tear Gas Attack on Jackson Family

I am writing to demand immediate action following the reported tear gas attack on the Jackson family by ICE agents. Shawn and Destiny Jackson were driving home from their child's basketball practice with their six children when they became trapped in traffic during an ICE operation. Their vehicle was struck, deploying airbags, and tear gas filled the SUV containing children ranging from a 6-month-old baby to teenagers. The consequences were severe and immediate. The infant became unconscious with foam around his mouth, requiring mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from his mother. All six children were affected by the chemical agent, including one child who is autistic and was especially traumatized by the incident. Community members had to rush to provide emergency first aid, pouring milk over the children's faces to counteract the tear gas effects. This family has suffered devastating losses. Their vehicle was totaled. They have been forced to take time off work to address their children's physical injuries and mental health needs. A GoFundMe campaign has raised $141,527 to help cover vehicle replacement, lost wages, and recovery expenses. These are American citizens whose lives have been upended. I need you to take three specific actions. First, demand a full federal investigation into this incident and the use of chemical weapons against civilians, particularly children. Second, call for accountability measures and policy changes that prevent ICE agents from deploying tear gas in residential areas where families and children are present. Third, push for compensation and support for the Jackson family and any other families harmed during these operations. The use of military-grade chemical agents against a vehicle containing six children, including an infant, is unconscionable regardless of the operational context. I expect you to stand up for constituent safety and demand answers about how this was allowed to happen and what will be done to ensure it never happens again.

First sent on January 18 by Jeffrey Barlow