The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a statement seeking to clarify misunderstandings surrounding a recent ICE raid in Oklahoma City. Reports emerged claiming that agents mistakenly targeted an innocent family, including U.S. citizens, which has drawn significant criticism from political leaders.

Media Reports on the Incident

On Wednesday, The Independent published an article headlined, “ICE raids wrong Oklahoma home, seizes life savings and leaves family ‘traumatized for life’.” The report details a raid that took place on April 24, where a mother and her daughters were allegedly caught in a raid intended for a different target.

In response to the reports, Representative Becca Balint (D-Vermont) asserted that the family, naturalized U.S. citizens, was unnecessarily “terrorized” by the incident. She further criticized the current administration, stating, “this is Trump’s America,” and labeled the operation a “colossal mistake.”

Details of the Raid

According to the DHS, the raid involved federal agents and Oklahoma state police, with a specific focus on a residence suspected to be linked to human smuggling activities. During the operation, agents encountered a naturalized U.S. citizen from Guatemala among others, including a minor aged 17.

Official Response from DHS

A spokesperson for DHS clarified that the raid was a lawful and court-authorized action, targeting the property itself, rather than specific individuals. The operation was based on an 84-page affidavit, which demonstrated strong probable cause linking the residence to criminal activities.

According to the spokesperson, the warrant was signed by a federal judge the day before the raid, and it authorized the seizure of evidence regardless of who was present during its execution. “This was a critical strike against a dangerous human smuggling network,” the representative stated, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to addressing security challenges.

Ongoing Investigation

While the family involved in the raid is no longer in federal custody, DHS indicated that the investigation is ongoing. Officials have not ruled out the potential involvement of the current occupants in the alleged smuggling network.