Representatives of US immigration authorities testify before Congress

Senior US immigration officials appeared before a House of Representatives committee in the first public hearing since the deaths of two US citizens in Minnesota who were killed during an operation by federal immigration agents.

The case sparked strong criticism of President Donald Trump's tough immigration policy, especially after video footage cast doubt on the administration's claims that the victims were "domestic terrorists." Republican committee chairman Andrew Garbarino called for a full and impartial investigation, distancing himself from the White House's quick verdicts.

Democrats, led by Bennie Thompson, accused the administration of inappropriate interference in cities and again called for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The heads of ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration Services appeared before Congress to defend Trump's strategy of mass deportations.

Despite growing public opposition, they say they will continue their crackdown, backed by record funding from Congress.

(reuters, mja)