WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding answers to the questions she and other members of the Michigan Republican delegation asked earlier this year. The response included a section on how ICE agents may not be following federal law while apprehending illegal aliens.

“I was shocked by the response Secretary Mayorkas sent because it indicated that he is not having agents follow federal law,” said Rep. Lisa McClain. “The response stated that an arresting agent ‘may’ issue a notice to appear, federal law states that they shall. Shall means that it is a requirement. Members of Congress and the American people deserve clear answers as to how Secretary Mayorkas is conducting his duties as the head of the Department of Homeland Security. If it is true that he is directing his border agents to ignore federal law, this is a blatant violation of his oath of office.”

The federal law in question is 8 U.S.C. 1229(a)1 which states: In removal proceedings under section 1229a of this title, written notice shall be given in person to the alien.”