1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Today I take pen in hand to write and urge you to co-sponsor the Make ICE Pay Act. This bill as you may be aware, would redirect nearly $140 billion in ICE and CBP funding toward the states, local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses devastated by Trump's enforcement crackdowns. This is money stripped from useful programs by the Big Awful Bill, but now can be re-directed to humanitarian community needs, not given to half-trained violent thugs masquerading as a sadist’s version of immigration enforcement. Communities across the country — from Minneapolis to Charlotte to Portland — have been left with real economic damage, trauma, and grief. That money should go to them, not to the agencies that caused the harm. In Minneapolis alone, Operation Metro Surge cost the community nearly $700 million and resulted in the fatal shooting of two US citizens. ICE arrests hit 49,571 in July, a 70% increase since February, despite promises of a more moderate approach. The Make ICE Pay Act would deliver economic relief, fund investigations into what happened, and ensure these operations cannot be repeated. This is exactly the kind of accountability legislation worth standing behind. Put your voice and vote behind the Make ICE Pay Act now. Thank you.