1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to hold strong and refuse to vote for any Department of Homeland Security funding bill that does not include systemic reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The current situation presents a critical opportunity to implement changes that will protect vulnerable communities while restoring essential healthcare funding that millions of Americans lost in 2025. The reforms being demanded are specific and achievable. First, ICE funding must be cut sufficiently to restore the expired Affordable Care Act subsidies and Medicaid cuts that were passed in 2025. These healthcare cuts have left countless families without coverage, and ICE's bloated budget can be redirected to restore this vital support. Second, ICE raids must be banned at sensitive locations including schools, hospitals, courts, day cares, and houses of worship. These are places where people should feel safe, not terrorized. Additional critical reforms include prohibiting the arrest or detention of children and ending the practice of using children as leverage against their families. Customs and Border Protection must be stopped from assisting ICE operations far from the border, which has expanded enforcement beyond any reasonable scope. ICE agents should be required to obtain warrants before entering any home or private business, respecting constitutional protections. Finally, all agents must wear masks, body cameras, and visible identification at all times to ensure accountability. Congress has the power to implement these reforms immediately through the appropriations process. I understand that Democrats are currently blocking DHS funding to demand these changes, and I strongly support this position. This is not about shutting down government for political gain. This is about using legislative leverage to end practices that separate families, traumatize children, and violate basic human dignity. I urge you to stand firm and vote no on any DHS funding bill that does not include these systemic reforms. The American people are watching, and we expect you to prioritize both community safety and constitutional rights over unchecked enforcement.