1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

It is deeply concerning that the Trump administration is seeking a massive budget increase for ICE to enable widespread violations of due process and human rights. The proposed funding would allow ICE to unlawfully deport immigrants en masse without proper notice or legal proceedings, potentially sending them to environments hostile to their wellbeing. Building an immigration jail on Guantanamo Bay and invoking wartime powers like the Alien Enemies Act against civilians is an appalling overreach that disregards constitutional protections. Empowering ICE to expand its force and collaborate with local law enforcement risks turning communities into immigration enforcement zones rife with racial profiling. Moreover, funneling billions to private prisons incentivizes maximizing detentions for profit over justice. Unaccompanied minors—including toddlers—are also being required to appear in U.S. immigration court without legal representation. Children as young as 2 or 3 years old have been expected to navigate complex legal proceedings on their own, often without understanding the language or the charges against them. This situation has intensified following the Trump administration’s termination of a $200 million contract that provided legal aid to unaccompanied migrant children, leaving thousands without attorneys . Legal experts and child advocates have condemned this practice as deeply unjust, emphasizing that young children cannot comprehend or participate meaningfully in legal proceedings without assistance. This draconian approach dehumanizes immigrants and tarnishes America's founding ideals of due process and human rights for all. Congress must reject any budget reconciliation package that increases funding for ICE's mass deportation agenda which sows fear, separates families, and inflicts trauma on vulnerable populations seeking a better life. Upholding human dignity and the rule of law should be the utmost priority. * * *