1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to oppose any continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security and to demand the closure of family detention centers as part of any final funding agreement. With just over four days until a partial government shutdown, this is the moment to insist on meaningful reform rather than maintaining a status quo that has proven harmful to American communities. Recent polling demonstrates that the public shares these concerns. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll found that 65% of registered voters believe ICE has gone too far, an 11-point increase from June. Additionally, 62% say ICE is making the United States less safe, while only 34% approve of the agency's job performance. A Quinnipiac University poll showed 63% disapprove of ICE's conduct. These numbers reflect a clear mandate for change, not business as usual. The current enforcement approach has resulted in unconscionable actions, including the tear-gassing of elementary schools and the deaths of American citizens. As Sen. Chris Murphy noted, there is no interest in continuing to fund an agency that is out of control without reform. Sen. Angus King, who voted to reopen the government during the fall healthcare shutdown, stated he cannot in good conscience support another continuing resolution given what ICE is doing. Senate Democrats have proposed 10 specific reforms, including requiring judicial warrants to enter private property and mandating that agents wear identification. These are not radical demands. They simply ask ICE to follow the standards that the vast majority of law enforcement agencies already follow. Any DHS funding bill must include these reforms and specifically close family detention centers, which serve no legitimate law enforcement purpose and cause documented harm to children. I urge you to stand firm against a continuing resolution and demand these reforms, including the closure of family detention centers, in any final funding package.