Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has joined the growing outcry over the arrest and rapid transfer of Eduardo Aguirre Esparza, a long-time West Seattle resident, explicitly labeling the incident an "ICE kidnapping" in a formal demand for answers.

The arrest, which took place on July 23 near 41st Ave SW and Juneau St, was filmed by bystanders and sparked immediate community backlash, including signs posted in the neighborhood stating, "ICE abducted someone here".

Jayapal Details Allegations of Abuse

In a letter dated August 1, 2026, addressed to ICE Acting Director David Venturella, Jayapal expressed deep concern over the treatment of Aguirre Esparza following his detention. She noted that while Aguirre Esparza has lived in the U.S. since 2002 and is married to a U.S. citizen, he was allegedly subjected to high-pressure tactics and physical violence while in custody.

Quoting the letter extensively, Jayapal wrote:

"Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained my constituent, Eduardo Aguirre Esparza, in West Seattle. As a result of conversations Mr. Aguirre Esparza has had with his attorney and wife, disturbing allegations have been brought to my attention that require immediate action by ICE."

The letter details a specific incident in Tukwila, where Aguirre Esparza was allegedly "held in a room for 10 hours and surrounded by approximately 20 ICE agents who pressured him to sign a voluntary departure order". Jayapal further alleged that:

"According to Mr. Aguirre Esparza, the agents pushed him physically and threatened him with physical violence if he did not sign the voluntary departure order."

Disputed Records and Rapid Transfer

The Congresswoman also directly addressed the conflicting claims regarding Aguirre Esparza’s criminal record. While ICE has claimed he has a prior DUI conviction from Kansas, Jayapal pointed out that "his wife has stated that he has never lived in Kansas nor does his background check reflect that". A review of his background check found no misdemeanor or felony convictions, only a resolved 2015 traffic citation.

Despite his pending green card case, ICE transferred Aguirre Esparza to Camp East Montana in Texas, a facility Jayapal notes has been criticized by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU for "life-threatening medical neglect" and "indiscriminate beatings". Jayapal warned that these conditions "may amount to enforced disappearance".

Demands for Accountability

Jayapal is demanding that ICE immediately transfer Aguirre Esparza back to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma to be closer to his family and legal counsel. Furthermore, she has called for the preservation of evidence:

"I am requesting that... ICE preserve and provide the video and all related materials to this incident in Tukwila to my office by August 14, 2026."

U.S. Senator Patty Murray has also condemned the agency's actions as "un-American" and "plain sick," accusing ICE of attempting to conduct an expedited deportation hearing without allowing Aguirre Esparza access to his lawyer.

Community Response

As Aguirre Esparza remains in a detention center 1,700 miles away from his home, his wife, Stacey Fitzpatrick, continues to fight for his return, emphasizing that he followed their plan to not sign anything and to request a lawyer. A rally is planned at the West Seattle Farmers Market on Sunday, August 2, to support the family. A masters hearing regarding the case is tentatively scheduled for August 6, though his attendance remains uncertain because he is not currently appearing in the ICE system with his A-number