1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take a firm public stand to defund ICE and to refuse any budget or legislative compromise that continues to empower an agency that has repeatedly abused its authority, violated civil and human rights, and operated with little meaningful oversight. ICE has demonstrated, over and over, that it cannot be trusted to police itself. Its actions have eroded due process, traumatized families, and undermined public trust in government. Continuing to fund this agency as it currently exists is a moral and institutional failure. Accountability cannot come after the fact—it must come through defunding, restructuring, and real consequences. I am also deeply concerned by the lack of courage being shown by Democratic leadership at the federal level. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has proven unable or unwilling to meet this moment with the urgency it demands. This is not a time for cautious messaging or procedural excuses. It is a time for resolve, clarity, and backbone. Leadership that cannot confront authoritarian abuse of power is unfit for this moment. I expect my elected officials to hold the line—to refuse to legitimize or fund institutions that violate the Constitution and basic human dignity. History will remember who stood up and who looked away. I urge you to be on the right side of it.