Rep. Mackenzie Addresses Constituent Concerns on ICE, Iran, and Data Centers

Congressman fields questions on military action, immigration enforcement, and energy costs during telephone town hall

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie held a telephone town hall with constituents, addressing their concerns about recent U.S. military action against Iran, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, and the impact of data centers on local energy costs. Mackenzie defended the strikes on Iran but said he would oppose a war powers resolution, supported reforms to increase ICE transparency, and pledged to back legislation to ensure data centers pay their fair share of energy usage.

Why it matters

Mackenzie's responses provide insight into his positions on key policy issues facing his district, including national security, immigration enforcement, and the economic impact of new technologies. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, his stance on the Iran strikes and potential war powers resolution is particularly noteworthy. His comments on ICE and data centers also reflect the concerns of local residents in his Pennsylvania district.

The details

During the town hall, Mackenzie voiced support for the U.S. military strikes that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing that diplomatic efforts had failed and the operation presented a 'unique window of opportunity.' However, he said he would oppose a war powers resolution that could limit the president's ability to continue the offensive. Regarding ICE, Mackenzie called for reforms such as body cameras and de-escalation training, but maintained his support for the agency's efforts to deport undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. On data centers, Mackenzie said he would back legislation to ensure these facilities pay proportionally for the energy they use, in response to concerns about rising costs for surrounding neighborhoods.

  • The telephone town hall was held on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • The U.S. military strikes on Iran were announced over the previous weekend.

The players

Ryan Mackenzie

A Republican U.S. Representative serving Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, which includes Northampton, Lehigh, Carbon, and part of Monroe counties. Mackenzie sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is up for re-election in November 2026.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who ordered the military strikes on Iran as Commander-in-Chief.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Supreme Leader of Iran who was killed in the U.S. military strikes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There was a unique opportunity and a window presented itself after diplomatic efforts had been tried to address not only their nuclear capabilities, but their traditional military capabilities in the region. They seemingly did not have an interest in actually negotiating all of those things.”

— Ryan Mackenzie, U.S. Representative (mcall.com)

“If we do not take out their capabilities, as was mentioned, they have been retaliating all across the region, lashing out at not just American interests, but other regional partners, and doing so in a terroristic fashion fitting civilian sites all across the region. They would still have their capability to actually target our troops who are in the region, and that is not something we want to see.”

— Ryan Mackenzie, U.S. Representative (mcall.com)

What’s next

The House is expected to vote on a war powers resolution in the coming weeks, which Mackenzie has indicated he will oppose.

The takeaway

Mackenzie's responses during the telephone town hall demonstrate his support for the military strikes on Iran and his continued backing of ICE, despite calls for reforms. However, his openness to legislation addressing data center energy costs suggests a willingness to address constituent concerns over the local impact of new technologies.