1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am a constituent writing to urge you to oppose further federal funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to advocate for the immediate release of Liam Ramos, a legal asylum seeker currently in ICE custody. ICE’s enforcement practices have increasingly resulted in the prolonged detention of individuals who are lawfully pursuing asylum and who pose no threat to public safety. The use of detention in such cases is unnecessary, costly, and inconsistent with the humanitarian principles that the United States has long claimed to uphold. Continued funding without meaningful oversight or reform perpetuates these harms and diverts resources from more effective and humane approaches to immigration management. Liam Ramos is a legal asylum seeker who should be allowed to continue his case outside of detention, with access to counsel and community support. Detaining asylum seekers who are complying with the legal process undermines due process and inflicts avoidable trauma on individuals and families. Alternatives to detention are well established, far less expensive, and demonstrably effective in ensuring compliance with immigration proceedings. I respectfully ask that you take two specific actions. First, oppose appropriations that expand or sustain ICE detention operations, particularly those affecting asylum seekers. Second, actively advocate with the Department of Homeland Security for the prompt release of Liam Ramos from ICE custody. I expect my elected representatives to uphold due process, human dignity, and responsible stewardship of public funds. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.