1. United States
  2. Wash.
  3. Letter

Defund ICE and Reassert Congressional Authority

To: Rep. Jayapal, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray

From: A verified voter in Seattle, WA

January 19

I’m writing as a constituent to express my full support for your efforts to hold the executive branch accountable and to oppose continued funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its current form as FY2026 appropriations are finalized. ICE has demonstrated again and again that it is not operating as a lawful, accountable civilian agency. Its actions have escalated into violence against civilians, constitutional violations, and the politicization of federal law enforcement. These outcomes have eroded public trust and destabilized democratic governance. I appreciate your willingness to speak plainly about this reality and to resist budgetary decisions that would normalize or enable it. Continuing to fund ICE without dismantling and replacing its current structure would effectively endorse misconduct, retaliation against critics, and the steady erosion of civil liberties. Congress’s power of the purse exists precisely for moments like this. It is one of the clearest tools available to check executive overreach and to demand accountability when agencies violate the public trust. Using that authority now is responsible governance. Please know that you have strong constituent backing as you work to block any budget resolution or continuing resolution that funds ICE as it currently exists. I support denying funding unless and until Congress acts to dissolve the agency and replace it with a humane, civilian immigration system grounded in due process, constitutional protections, and the rule of law. Thank you for your leadership, your clarity, and your persistence during this deeply challenging moment for our democracy.

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