Congresswoman Questions Local Immigrant Advocacy Group's ICE Check-In Participation

Hinson raises concerns over Escucha Mi Voz's 'legal observer trainings' and tax-exempt status

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who is running for the US Senate, has criticized a local immigration advocacy group called Escucha Mi Voz for hosting 'legal observer trainings' that she claims encourage interference with law enforcement operations during ICE check-ins. Hinson suggests the group's actions could jeopardize their tax-exempt status, while the group maintains they are simply exercising their First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and observe.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement efforts and the rights of advocacy groups and immigrants to peacefully protest and observe such actions. It also raises questions about the appropriate role of non-profit organizations in monitoring government activities.

The details

Hinson's Facebook post accused Escucha Mi Voz of 'masquerading as a nonprofit to undermine' ICE's efforts to 'remove criminals from our streets.' However, the group says they instruct observers to not interfere and are simply exercising their constitutional rights. Some have pointed out the contradiction between Hinson's support for Second Amendment rights but apparent opposition to First Amendment assembly rights in this case.

  • Hinson made the Facebook post on February 3, 2026.

The players

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

A Republican Congresswoman from Iowa who is now running for the US Senate.

Escucha Mi Voz

A local immigration advocacy group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that has been accompanying immigrants to their ICE check-ins and providing 'legal observer trainings.'

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What they’re saying

“I'm deeply disturbed by recent events in Cedar Rapids, where Escucha Mi Voz is hosting so-called 'legal observer trainings' that encourage interference with law enforcement operations. After four years of Biden's open borders, our law enforcement is working to remove criminals from our streets, and masquerading as a nonprofit to undermine that efforts raises serious questions about retaining 501©(3) tax-exempt status. We need to lower the temperature. These 'trainings' do exactly the opposite.”

— Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (Facebook)

“Having decided she's fine with federal agents killing a law-abiding American exercising his Second Amendment right to carry a firearm, Rep. Ashley Hinson decided she no longer supports the First Amendment protection of 'the people peaceably to assembly.'”

— Unidentified Facebook user (Facebook)

What’s next

The dispute between Hinson and Escucha Mi Voz is likely to continue, with potential legal and political ramifications regarding the group's tax-exempt status and the rights of advocacy organizations to monitor government activities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and the role of non-profit organizations in the political process. It underscores the need for balanced and nuanced approaches that respect both law enforcement priorities and constitutional freedoms.