1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose any legislation that increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement or expands its enforcement capabilities. Recent reporting reveals that ICE is in the midst of a $100 million recruiting spree, dramatically expanding an agency whose budget already rivals that of entire national militaries around the world. This expansion is happening without adequate oversight or accountability. ICE's enforcement actions are increasingly targeting communities across the country, creating fear and instability for families and workers who contribute to our local economy. The agency's growing reach threatens the fabric of our neighborhoods and undermines trust between immigrant communities and local institutions. The scale of ICE's current budget is already excessive when compared to global military spending. Funneling an additional $100 million into recruitment will only accelerate enforcement actions that separate families, disrupt businesses, and strain local resources. Communities like San Francisco have already seen significant protests against ICE operations, reflecting widespread concern about the agency's tactics and priorities. Rather than expanding enforcement infrastructure, we should be investing in comprehensive immigration reform that creates pathways to legal status, addresses root causes of migration, and treats people with dignity. The current approach is both fiscally irresponsible and morally untenable. I urge you to vote against any appropriations bills that increase ICE funding or expand its enforcement capacity. Additionally, I ask that you support legislation that increases transparency and accountability for ICE operations, including mandatory reporting on enforcement actions and their impact on communities in your district. Your constituents are watching how you respond to this expansion. I need to know that you will stand against policies that prioritize enforcement over humanity and fiscal responsibility.